The Philadelphia Eagles made a low-risk, high-upside move on August 23 when they sent a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for 24-year-old quarterback Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-rounder
Howell, who started 18 games over his first two NFL seasons, will step in as the most seasoned backup on the roster behind starter Jalen Hurts, giving the Eagles stability at a spot that had grown murky after Tanner McKee’s finger injury.
Prior to injuring a finger on his throwing hand, McKee had been garnering trade buzz due to his consistently-good performances when called upon, with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank among those who felt McKee could possibly net a first-round pick in a trade. Now that Howell is on the roster, could that make McKee more expendable for the right price?
NFL insider Albert Breer — a guy who is very plugged-in around the league — wrote the following on X: “This isn’t an immediate precursor to Philly trading Tanner McKee. The Eagles LOVE McKee. However, there has been interest in the 25-year-old, and having Howell aboard would give the team flexibility if, for one reason or another, a big offer comes.”
More on Whether the Philadelphia Eagles Might Trade QB Tanner McKee With Sam Howell Now Aboard
McKee remains the No. 2, but a finger injury sidelined him for the final two preseason games, leaving his availability at the start of the regular season up in the air. If McKee isn’t ready, Howell will step in as the primary reserve. When McKee returns, the Eagles will have a more seasoned No. 3 in Howell — and a possible decision to make depending on any trade inquiries they might get.
Howell is in a contract year, and he’ll cost just $1.1 million for the 2025 season.
As it stands, the Eagles can ride with Howell as a bridge backup until McKee’s finger fully heals, then reassess the QBs room in October. If, at some point, another team calls GM Howie Roseman about trading for McKee and makes an offer Roseman can’t refuse, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
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Emilee Chinn | Getty ImagesCould the Philadelphia Eagles trade QB Tanner McKee after adding Sam Howell?
With McKee and Howell backing up Hurts, rookie Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, acquired in March, appear to be the odd men out.
McCord has taken a ton of preseason work but has ridden a week-to-week rollercoaster, including a 42.1 passer rating (15-of-35, 136 yards and an interception) in the finale vs. the Jets.
So, who gets cut and who lands on the practice squad? The most logical outcome is that Thompson-Robinson will be waived and McCord will be placed on the practice squad to develop further. If Philly believes McCord won’t make it through waivers, they’ll have a big decision to make.
Regardless, Howell’s presence gives the Eagles just a tad more reason to entertain trade calls on McKee if the market materializes—especially if his finger heals and someone else’s season goes sideways. Stay tuned.
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