Despite bringing back Geno Smith this offseason, the New York Jets may re-inquire about a trade regarding the Eagles backup Tanner McKee during the draft next week. After the Eagles traded for Andy Dalton to be a bridge for Jalen Hurts, the team might be more lenient in sending McKee in a possible trade. The Jets are eyeing a quarterback in this year’s draft, with Ty Simpson and Drew Allar as options, but the team was looking at McKee. With Dalton in the lineup, the Jets could bring up talks regarding McKee’s availability, and the Eagles might accept at least a sixth-round pick for the young quarterback.

New York inquired about a trade regarding McKee before, but it was way out of their asking price (second-round pick). However, it’s their chance to get him if there is still interest. Originally selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former sixth-rounder has two starts in his name. McKee has shown signs of being a capable starter, being a relief for Kenny Pickett and Hurts during the 2024 season, recording 269 passing yards for two touchdowns in his first start against the Giants.

Jets, Eagles Could Connect on Tanner McKee Trade

The most obvious decision is for the team to stick with Hurts as their long-term quarterback. Despite earlier rumors about Hurts’ field of play, nobody should anticipate the quarterback leaving anytime soon. Meanwhile, the Jets need a stable quarterback who is young, hungry, and already has some type of starting reps in the league. The 25-year-old is the perfect fit for what the Jets are looking for.

McKee won’t start, but he should be able to win the job over Smith. For now, expect McKee to fight, as his future is bright. Here are three other teams that could target him, too.

Other Possible Suitors
Arizona Cardinals

The Kyler Murray experience ended this offseason, but the Arizona Cardinals have another problem on their hands. They were supposed to have Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew battle for the starting spot, but it’s too obvious that the team will select Ty Simpson with the first-round selection. Many should expect the Cardinals to trade Brissett instead of giving in to his contract demands by the 2026 campaign. Minshew is still a solid backup, but the best answer would be McKee.

If selected, Simpson and McKee sound like a better fit than what the Cardinals have. Between Michael Wilson, Trey McBride and James Conner, the future sounds better with these two quarterbacks.

Atlanta Falcons

Meanwhile, the Falcons haven’t been able to find a stable quarterback since the Matt Ryan era. Most recently, the Falcons released Kirk Cousins, but they’re not favoring Michael Penix Jr. just yet. They signed Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year “prove it” deal, so it could go any way this season. Let’s put it this way: the Falcons probably won’t have Tagovailoa and Penix Jr. on the roster anymore after two seasons.

Tagovailoa has too many injury and inconsistency issues, and the same can be said about Penix. The Falcons should revamp and select a QB in the draft while trading for McKee for a Day 3 pick.

Los Angeles Rams

With Matthew Stafford soon to retire, expect the Los Angeles Rams to select a QB at least on Day 3 of the NFL Draft this year. They’re looking for a starter, but more of a gem to turn into something. The Rams have yet to re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo, which means the team is eyeing other options. If Garoppolo doesn’t return, the Rams could trade for McKee. Any QB that comes under Sean McVay should turn out to be special, similar to what happened when Stafford joined Los Angeles to win the Super Bowl.