The Philadelphia Eagles continue to move pieces as they intend to go back to back on Super Bowl-winning runs. Hence, they traded for quarterback Sam Howell to be the backup for Jalen Hurts. However, after what we’ve seen during preseason, it’s now time to reveal how the team’s quarterback depth chart looks like ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the trade involves a 2026 fifth round pick and a 2027 seventh round pick going to Minnesota. The Eagles receive Howell and a sixth round in 2026 in exchange.
Now, the QB depth chart looks as follows:
- QB 1: Jalen Hurts
- QB 2: Sam Howell
- QB 3: Tanner McKee
- QB 4: Kyle McCord
Will Tanner McKee stay on the roster?
Tanner McKee has been stellar during preseason for the Eagles. So much so, that it’s been reported by various outlets that he might have some suitors to trade for him. Hence, bringing Howell might open up the door for McKee’s departure if an offer is enticing enough for the Eagles.

Tanner McKee #16 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes the ball.
McKee was brilliant against the Bengals, completing 20/25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. However, NFL insider Albert Breer reported that the Eagles like him a lot, so the offer would have to be really strong. McKee is now nursing a hand injury.

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It’s yet another backup for the Eagles
While McKee was there last year, the first backup was Kenny Pickett, who is now on the Browns. Back in 2023, it was Marcus Mariota behind Jalen Hurts. before Mariota, Gardner Minshew was tasked to play behind Hurts. Now, Minshew is the backup on the Chiefs.
This means that Philadelphia is now welcoming a new face on the roster. Howell is a very different quarterback than Hurts. The playbook is the same but his style is more of a pocket passer, not that mobile, and less physical than Hurts. He is more of a traditional passer while Hurts is a physical phenomenon.





