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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.
The truth about the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback situation is likely to be that no matter how hard another team presses them for backup quarterback Tanner McKee, anything other than a 2nd or 3rd round pick probably isn’t going to pry him away in a trade.
The Eagles value McKee that much, and seem confident if a worst possible scenario injury occurs with starter Jalen Hurts, he could step in and make sure it’s not a lost season.
That doesn’t leave much room for another Eagles backup quarterback, Sam Howell, who spent 2023 starting all 17 games for the Washington Commanders but has been traded 3 times in the past 2 years.
Now, facing free agency, several Eagles insiders believe Howell could fetch decent money as a high-level QB2 and put himself on a team where he could be counted on as a starter in a pinch.
From PHLY: “The Eagles traded for Sam Howell when Kyle McCord didn’t look like he had what it took, and it’s reasonable to think if they do trade away Tanner McKee that Sam Howell would be brought back as the backup quarterback … I’m not saying he’ll get the opportunity to, but I think Sam Howell thinks he can find a better situation where he’ll get a backup job where there’s a clearer path to being a starting quarterback again.”
Eagles Made Surprise Move in Howell Trade
The Eagles made a surprise move and traded with the Minnesota Vikings for Howell on August 24, ostensibly bringing him in to be the backup for Hurts with McKee nursing some minor injuries to start the season.
Howell was the starting quarterback for the Commanders for all 17 games in 2023. He had one of the worst seasons for a starting NFL quarterback in recent memory as Washington went 4-13 and Howell led the league in interceptions (21) and sacks (65).
“In exchange for Howell, the Vikings received a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Eagles,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote. Philadelphia received a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Vikings along with Howell.”
Howell was traded from the Commanders to the Seattle Seahawks in March 2024 and from the Seahawks to the Vikings in March 2025.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are trading for QB Sam Howell,” NFL reporter Chase Senior wrote on his official X account. “Tanner McKee has a finger injury and might not be available for week 1. The Eagles couldn’t go into the start of the season with Kyle McCord as the backup, which is why they’re making this move. Funny enough: The Vikings are signing (former Eagles QB) Carson Wentz to replace Howell.”
NFL Draft Might Bring Eagles Another QB
The Athletic’s Zach Berman predicts Philadelphia will use a 4th round pick on University of Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green.
Green, 6-foot-5 and 224 pounds, threw for 5,868 yards, 34 touchdowns and 20 interceptions to go with 1,379 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns over the last 2 seasons for the University of Arkansas.
“Taylen Green is a raw, toolsy dual-threat quarterback with a high ceiling, thanks to his outstanding arm talent and athleticism, but he needs significant development,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “A creative NFL play-caller would be wise to feature some designed QB runs in the offensive game plan with Green in the lineup … Green’s stature and physical abilities are worth dedicating the time to develop.”
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
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