One of the most surprising moves of the offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles was watching general manager Howie Roseman make a trade with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for quarterback Andy Dalton.
With Tanner McKee still in the building for the Eagles as the backup quarterback, Dalton's trade was a surprise since he's also seen as a true backup. Roseman spoke with the media about what went into the Eagles' decision to trade for Dalton.
"Independent of Tanner. We've talked about how much we like Tanner," Roseman said via The Athletic's Zach Berman. "I thought it was a good opportunity for us to bring in Andy, a guy that we've known for a long time, a guy that's getting to add a lot on and off the field. He can still throw it. He can still really make quick decisions. We've liked him for a long time, watching for a long time, and we always like three QBs. ...You're one injury away from being one injury away. We take that seriously."
Howie Roseman explains Andy Dalton trade to Eagles
Dalton is no slouch as a quarterback, having been in the NFL for 15 years, playing for five different teams, with most of his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. He's made three Pro Bowl selections and has thrown for 39,793 yards in his NFL career.
Over the last three years, he's been the backup to Bryce Young in Carolina and has played a key role in the young quarterback's development. This could be a similar role to the one Dalton plays with Jalen Hurts and McKee there.
Dalton's arrival could also be insurance, just in case McKee does end up getting traded after an offseason filled with trade rumors involving McKee. Teams have backed off a bit on McKee since Roseman is asking for a Day 2 pick for him, but there is a chance something could get done in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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It was a great deal for the Eagles to get Dalton, as it only cost them a seventh-round pick for a great backup quarterback. Now it's a matter of whether the Eagles will get any value out of him next year, which could be Dalton's last, or if he will be their third string and play the same role Sam Howell played last year.