In 2020, Howie Roseman, the general manager of the Eagles, stated that he hoped his team would become a quarterback factory.
Roseman used that as justification for selecting quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round. Nobody anticipated that the Eagles would select a quarterback so early because they already had Carson Wentz. But Roseman wants to sign a rookie contract with a long-term backup. A rookie had greater potential and was less expensive than a seasoned backup.
Unexpectedly, Hurts surpassed Wentz as the starting quarterback before the end of his first campaign. Hurts became as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks after taking over as the starting quarterback full-time in 2021. Roseman’s choice now seems wise.
Maybe Roseman won’t do something like that ever again. However, the Eagles will make additional significant expenditures in the future and place a higher emphasis on the backup quarterback position than other teams.
With two years left on his rookie contract, Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee, one of the league’s most promising backups, might be traded by the team in the upcoming summer. Roseman had the option of finding a replacement right away or waiting a year.
The Eagles should trade a mid-round choice to the Colts for first-round flop Anthony Richardson, who recently lost the starting position to Daniel Jones, according to ESPN expert Dan Orlovsky.
Why the Eagles? An Eagles fan asked Orlovsky on X, “Tanner is better than Anthony, and that would start an unwanted QB controversy.”
In response, Orlovsky made three points: 1) Completely without disagreement. You have a top 10 quarterback and the reigning SB champion. 2) McKee is going to be picked up. Soon. 3) Resources, resources, resources.
Orlovsky makes some excellent comments, particularly the first and third.
Richardson did not in any way threaten Jalen Hurts. Richardson would only be a developmental project, and he will be the team’s quarterback for a very long time.
If properly developed, Richardson could also become a future trade piece. He might eventually be dealt for a respectable price because the Eagles adore hoarding draft picks. That alone would justify a deal for Richardson.
Some thought Richardson may develop into a Josh Allen-type talent when the Colts selected him as the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That hasn’t happened, of course.
Although Richardson’s stature (6-4, 244 pounds), quickness, and arm strength are unusual, having excellent physical attributes alone won’t get him far in the NFL.
Last season, he only completed 47.7% of his passes, the lowest percentage in the league. When he tapped out of a game due to fatigue, the Colts benched him as well.
There are numerous issues to resolve. Can Richardson’s career be saved by the Eagles? Perhaps not. However, it might be worthwhile to try. The benefits exceed the risks.
Richardson’s rookie contract, which includes a five-year option, has three years remaining. He might soon be released from Indianapolis. He will simply serve as a diversion.
The Eagles are unlikely to trade for Richardson in the end, but it wouldn’t be shocking if they did.
Kyle McCord, a sixth-round rookie, hasn’t performed well enough in training camp to be considered McKee’s replacement. He isn’t even guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster. Before the 2026 season, the Eagles might need to look for a different backup quarterback.
MORE EAGLES COVERAGE
-
Ex-Giants standout is a new Eagles concern: Camp winners, losers
-
What is ESPN s new streaming service? Here s everything you need to know
-
Physical Eagles rookie s bad intentions could put fear into his opponents: That s what I like
-
Retired star QB turned down $30 million, then found different career
We appreciate your faith in us to deliver reliable journalism. Please think about subscribing to help us out. You can contact Cayden Steele at [email protected].
