Not many Philadelphia Eagles fans could have imagined that a new veteran quarterback would be acquired via trade, but the team certainly did just that.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles traded a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for quarterback Andy Dalton. Philly's new quarterback has played in the league for 15 years, as he has suited up for five NFL teams.
Dalton has spent the last three years with the Carolina Panthers backing up Bryce Young. Last season, Dalton threw for 293 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
Eagles stun fans with trade for Andy Dalton
Philly needed a quarterback to add to the roster after seeing Sam Howell sign with the NFC East division rival Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles only had Tanner McKee and Jalen Hurts on the roster prior to the Dalton trade.
If anything, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been consistent about trading for veteran quarterbacks in the offseason. In 2024, he traded for Kenny Pickett, and then last offseason, he offloaded Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, as well as traded for Howell right before the season.
Roseman has not been shy after making the Eagles a "QB factory." They certainly have three quarterbacks who are more than capable of starting in the NFL if needed.
This trade says less about Hurts, as he is the clear-cut number one guy in Philly. It could mean more about McKee and whether he will return to the team. He has been the subject of many trade talks in the offseason with teams like the New York Jets.
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While the trade is surprising, Roseman has done this before, so it makes sense as the Eagles get a three-time Pro Bowler to back up Hurts.