Many NFL players don't even get a shot at proving why they should be a starter in the regular season. Still, Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee has a golden opportunity to do that.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni decided to rest the starters for their Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders, including starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. With McKee now getting his shot to become trade bait for the Birds, potentially, he knows there's a combination of knowing what's at stake and just focused on doing his job without the outside noise.
"I think any time you get an opportunity to step on the field, you want to put your best foot forward," McKee said via The Athletic's Zach Berman. "I'm not necessarily thinking, 'Hey, something will happen.' Any time you go out on the field, you want to perform."
Round two for Tanner McKee to get NFL teams calling Philly for his services
Last year, McKee showcased his skills in two games with the Eagles as he replaced the injured Kenny Pickett, who was also replacing Hurts when he got injured. McKee completed almost 67% of his passes for four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
That play inspired the Eagles to go all-in on him being the backup and trading away Pickett to make that happen. McKee hasn't been called on this year, as he has played in three games to close out blowout games. He's completed all three of his passes for 33 yards, which all happened in the 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
It's an odd feeling for Eagles fans, as on the one hand, a good performance from McKee could lead to a win and a chance to steal away the number two seed in the NFC away from the Chicago Bears, while being able to potentially get a high draft pick in a trade involving him. On the other hand, a poor showing might devalue McKee in a trade and also undermine confidence that, if Hurts gets injured, McKee can step up.
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The rest of the NFL may not be interested in seeing the Eagles' backups against the Commanders, but it could be a big day for the future of the franchise if McKee can prove that he is ready to be a starting quarterback in the league.