Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee is back on the trade rumor bus this offseason as teams call about his availability.
One of the teams that was heavy on him reportedly was the New York Jets, as they look for a new quarterback to take over for Justin Fields. According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, that might not be the case anymore, as the Jets sound like they may not even pursue a potential trade for McKee.
"The Eagles just like him too much, and I think they want like a third or a conditional third that can be a second," Rosenblatt said on SNY's Jets Final Drive. "I just don't see them getting that. And I also don't even blame them for asking for it because they believe in him, and if (Jalen) Hurts goes down, they believe in his ability to step in."
Jets look to be out on Tanner McKee
New York might be shifting the focus to adding Geno Smith and Carson Wentz, according to SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes, with the two battling it out for the starting job. That doesn't bode well for McKee's chances, but at least it's good news for the Eagles fan base.
Since being with the Eagles, McKee has been as rock-solid a backup as there is in the NFL, completing 61.4% of his passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns to one interception. Last season, he had a chance to start the Eagles' Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders but was average, completing 52.5% of his passes for 241 yards and one touchdown against one interception.
Eagles fans wouldn't mind that, as it would add less drama to the quarterback room, which has the potential to get ugly. While Hurts had a good enough season to land his third Pro Bowl selection in 2025, there are some who are starting to have their doubts about him.
If McKee were traded, it would open the door for Philly to select a quarterback high in the NFL Draft and create a quarterback controversy with Hurts. McKee staying will at least close that door for one more season.
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With no trade looking like it's going to happen for the moment, McKee might be safer being in Philly for the 2026 season and another year of backing up Hurts.