💥HOWIE DOING IT AGAIN?! Eagles-Steelers Trade That NOBODY Saw Coming! Philadelphia Eagles News Today

The Philadelphia Eagles could be on the verge of another blockbuster move as Howie Roseman explores trade options for backup quarterback Tanner McKee. With Jaelan Phillips heading to free agency, the Eagles desperately need to bolster their pass rush, and a shocking proposal from ESPN insiders might be the perfect solution.

Bill Barnwell appeared on NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal and proposed a dream trade scenario between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal would send Tanner McKee to Pittsburgh in exchange for 24-year-old edge rusher Nick Herbig, creating a win-win situation for both franchises.

Nick Herbig recorded 7.5 sacks in the 2025 season despite playing just 53 percent of defensive snaps for the Steelers. His Pro Football Focus grade of 86.7 ranks him among the elite young pass rushers in the NFL. With limited playing time in Pittsburgh’s loaded defensive rotation, Herbig represents incredible value for a team willing to give him a starting opportunity.

Tanner McKee has impressed in preseason action and spot starts for Philadelphia, but with Jalen Hurts firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, McKee has no clear path to playing time. The Stanford product enters the final year of his rookie contract and will hit free agency after the 2026 season, meaning the Eagles risk losing him for nothing if they don’t make a move now.

The timing couldn’t be better for both teams. Philadelphia loses Jaelan Phillips to free agency and needs an affordable pass rushing solution. Pittsburgh faces uncertainty at the quarterback position and could use a young developmental prospect like McKee to compete for the starting job or provide quality depth.

Ben Solak from ESPN noted that backup quarterbacks on Howie Roseman’s roster are always in danger of being traded. This has been a consistent pattern throughout Roseman’s tenure as general manager, as he’s never afraid to maximize the value of players who aren’t contributing to the active gameday roster.

The financial aspect makes this trade even more appealing. Both McKee and Herbig are on rookie deals with one year of team control remaining, giving both franchises cost-controlled talent without breaking the bank. This allows Philadelphia to allocate resources elsewhere while still addressing a critical need on defense.

Herbig brings more than just pass rushing ability to the table. He forced three fumbles and recorded an interception in 2025, demonstrating the playmaking versatility that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio values in his edge rushers. His ability to create turnovers could be exactly what Philadelphia needs to elevate their defense to championship level.

For Pittsburgh, acquiring McKee gives them options at the most important position in football. The Steelers could pair him with another quarterback in the draft or free agency, creating competition that pushes everyone to perform at their best. McKee’s arm talent and football IQ have drawn praise from scouts around the league.

This trade proposal highlights the creative roster management that has made Howie Roseman one of the most respected executives in professional football. Rather than overpaying in free agency or sacrificing draft capital, Roseman could swap a player with no future in Philadelphia for an immediate starter on a cheap contract.

The Eagles defensive line has been a cornerstone of their success over the past decade, and maintaining that standard requires constant investment and smart decision making. Adding a player like Herbig keeps Philadelphia competitive while staying financially flexible for future moves.

Questions remain about whether this deal will actually happen or if it’s just speculation from media analysts. However, the framework makes too much sense for both sides to ignore. When two teams have perfectly aligned needs and available assets, smart front offices find ways to make deals happen.

Eagles fans should pay close attention to how this situation develops over the coming weeks and months. The NFL offseason is full of surprises, and Howie Roseman has built his reputation on making unexpected moves that strengthen the roster while maintaining financial discipline.

Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all Eagles news, trade rumors, and offseason moves. Drop a comment below with your thoughts on this potential blockbuster deal. Would you trade Tanner McKee for Nick Herbig? Let’s discuss in the comments section.

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