There are zero questions about who the starting quarterback will be for the Philadelphia Eagles with Jalen Hurts... at least for 2026, but that doesn't mean there won't be drama at the position, as it's already happening.
Many expected Tanner McKee to be the backup quarterback and Andy Dalton to be the third string, with rookie fifth-round pick Cole Payton fourth on the depth chart. Through two weeks of OTAs, it's becoming clear that the QB2 battle might be hotter than many Eagles fans expected.
Philly sports media got to check out one of the Eagles' OTA voluntary practices this week, where the trend seems to be that Dalton is taking more of the QB2 snaps over McKee. In fact, Dalton seemed to have a great day of practice, while McKee kind of had a rough outing. As for Payton, he seems to be doing okay with some questions about him holding on to the ball too long, but it appears that he is not in competition for QB2.
Is Andy Dalton going to end up being QB2 on the Eagles?
All of a sudden, the Eagles have quite the situation going on at quarterback early on. While it's great that Dalton is improving, there are some concerns at the most important position on the team.
Dalton showed good stuff at OTAs this week, but he's 38 and playing inconsistently, which raises a small red flag. It's even more concerning that a younger McKee is struggling, especially since he has been rumored to be part of trade talks down the road. Payton is still working out the kinks as a rookie, so his concerns are not as much on a grand scale as McKee's and Dalton's.
At least Dalton has momentum now at QB2, but Eagles fans have to be disappointed that McKee is playing the way he is. Last year, in his one start against the Washington Commanders, he struggled with accuracy. While that was with the Eagles' backups, he has played better with the same guys. McKee has gone from a guy fans were hoping they might get a second- or third-round pick for to now being lucky if a sixth-round pick goes in their direction in a McKee trade.
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Eagles fans will have to wait until mandatory OTAs to see how the quarterback position progresses, but for right now, there is reason to be concerned.
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