“We don’t have to make that decision quite yet or announce that decision for competitive reasons,” the head coach said to the press. “I don’t want them to study one guy over the other. I’m not saying we don’t have an answer of who that is yet, but I don’t just have to share that quite yet publicly.”

In this league, revealing too many details can often be counterproductive. For now, with the Eagles’ Week 1 debut approaching, Sirianni prefers to keep things quiet and maintain the mystery.

What options does Sirianni have as Hurts’ backup?

Behind Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback room features an intriguing mix of veteran security and developmental potential. The primary insurance policy is veteran caller Andy Dalton, who brings a wealth of starting experience to step in seamlessly as a steady hand if Hurts ever needs to miss time.

Right next to him on the depth chart is Tanner McKee, a home-grown option who knows the offense inside and out and continues to show solid potential as a reliable QB2/QB3. The room is rounded out by rookie Cole Payton, a raw, dual-threat developmental prospect who offers a stylistic match to Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities for the practice squad and future roster depth.

The beginning of a new dream for Philadelphia

Although they managed to win the NFC East in 2025 with an 11–6 record, the Eagles unfortunately failed to advance beyond the Wild Card round, something that hurt deeply within the franchise. With the immediate goal of getting revenge as soon as possible, these will be the first challenges facing Nick Sirianni and his players as they look to get the season off to a strong start.

• Week 1, vs Washington Commanders (September 13)
• Week 2, at Tennessee Titans (September 20)
• Week 3, at Chicago Bears (September 28)
• Week 4, vs Los Angeles Rams (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Jacksonville Jaguars (October 11) Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

According to Tim McManus of ESPN, Hurts is going through the process of getting better in the new system “and is fighting hard through the learning curve.” Hurts’ dedication is unmatched right now.

Last season with Kevin Patullo, it was stated that Hurts didn’t want to change much of the offense. He’d rather rely on staying in his comfort zone. However, after a really underwhelming season, it’s good for the Eagles to see he is changing his approach.

Sean Mannion creates plenty of hype

It seems like the arrival of Sean Mannion has turned the Eagles vibes. Despite losing AJ Brown and having rookie receiver Makai Lemon injured through training camp, Mannion is still creating a very hyped-up offense.

DeVonta Smith projects as a great heir to the AJ Brown mantle. He will surely be a stud WR1. Dontayvion Wicks and Lemon complete a very nice wideout room. If Hurts can learn the offense effectively, the Eagles could be a problem.

Sean Mannion’s rapid growth within the NFL

Mannion’s reputation is very good. While he is not precisely a veteran coach, his experience already established him as a top coaching prospect. Hence, the Eagles grabbed him while he was a QB coach on the Green Bay Packers, and trusted him to make him the Offensive Coordinator.

Mannion helped develop Jordan Love into a borderline top 10 QB in the NFL. He now has a plethora of talent and a QB that has gone to two Super Bowls, winning one of them.

“It felt great,” Lemon said, via Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Definitely a blessing every time I’m able to step on the field. I never take it for granted.” The former USC Trojans player was seen practicing normally at the Eagles’ facilities, putting signs of his recent hamstring injury behind him.

“I feel pretty confident [there won’t be a reoccurrence],” he also added. “Just learning from my mistakes from the previous times, working with the trainers, setting a good plan for me, just being a professional off the field.”

One of Hurts’ top targets

Lemon returned to the turf after missing the last 10 practices with his teammates and is ready to become Jalen Hurts’ ideal partner. The quarterback will also have Dontayvion Wicks and DeVonta Smith as his top alternatives.

Nick Sirianni knows he will no longer have A.J. Brown this season, as the star wide receiver packed his bags and headed to Foxborough to join the New England Patriots. As a result, the wide receiver room will have a new look heading into the upcoming NFL season.

The Lemon-Hurts connection

It is well known that for an NFL offense to succeed, the connection and chemistry between the quarterback and his top weapons are crucial. Lemon, who is taking his first steps as a professional, is already beginning to feel comfortable with Hurts.

“I feel like that chemistry and that work never stops,” Lemon said. “Each and every day after practice, just talking to him. … I feel like any time I can build that chemistry, it’s good.”

Awaiting his NFL debut

Makai Lemon is confident he will be available for Sirianni in the Eagles’ season opener. The game will take place on September 13 at home against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Philadelphia will have one final preseason game before then, although Lemon’s availability remains uncertain. The game will also be played at Lincoln Financial Field, against the Cincinnati Bengals, on Friday, August 28.

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, it is very unlikely that Drake Maye plays vs Eagles. After all, Maye received heavy work during joint practices. Hence, the coaching staff might be content with the evaluation of him during those periods.

Backup Tommy DeVito is again expected to start under center. In last week’s preseason opener against the Colts, DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles will be yet another test against him.

Is Jalen Hurts playing for Eagles vs Patriots?

Nick Sirianni also indicated that his starters will rest, so Jalen Hurts is not likely to play vs. Patriots. Hurts didn’t have the best of practices and questions around him might be growing, but he is still the certified QB1 on the team.

Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton are likely to carry the major workload for the Eagles under center against the Patriots. As always, this is more a “go out and stay healthy” kind of game for NFL teams.

Maye and Hurts have different points to prove in 2026

Maye was the MVP runner-up last season and went to the Super Bowl, albeit on a losing effort. However, his season was criticized because of the easy schedule he faced. Now, he has to prove he can deliver in a consistent basis with a tougher schedule.

As for Hurts, the Eagles offense is entering a new regime with Sean Mannion as the offensive coordinator, and they lost AJ Brown, upgraded DeVonta Smith to WR1 and drafted Makai Lemon. Hurts needs to prove he can be a leader and produce.

Ravens’ head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Lamar Jackson won’t play vs. the Eagles. “Some established players (are) not playing in this first game,” Minter added. Hence, most starters are likely to sit this game out.

The Ravens will have Tyler Huntley, Joe Fagnano and Austin Reed as the available signal-callers for this game. Huntley should be the one given the most snaps as he is the premium backup of the team.

Is Jalen Hurts playing for Eagles vs Ravens?

While head coach Nick Sirianni has kept his lineup choices private, it is likely that Jalen Hurts won’t play vs Ravens. Hurts is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback that has nothing to prove, so risking him would be unwise.

The QBs could be Andy Dalton, a veteran, reliable backup, or Tanner McKee. It is also likely that both share snaps to see who the first backup is. Names like Saquon Barkley should also rest this game.

Ravens and Eagles have both huge expectations for 2026 NFL season

Both the Ravens and Eagles have to prove doubters wrong in 2026. The Ravens need to show that the head coaching change was the last piece needed to become a Super Bowl-winning team with Lamar Jackson at the helm.

As for the Eagles, while they went to the playoffs, they got bounced out quickly and were surrounded by controversy all season long. Now, they changed offensive coordinators and shipped AJ Brown, so they must prove all these changes will solve their issues.

With trade rumors intensifying around Brown and the New England Patriots continuing to emerge as a possible destination, Hurts was asked what it would mean for the Eagles to lose one of the most explosive wide receivers in football.

Before answering, the Eagles QB paused and reached for water. “Picked the right question to sip on, huh?” Hurts said, delaying his response for a few moments before eventually addressing the situation more seriously. “For us, we’re focused on learning the offense. It really doesn’t change in terms of our approach to improve. There’s an ‘if’ obviously. It’s been a lingering thing, but nothing can replace all the greatness that we achieved together.”

A.J. Brown trade rumors continue surrounding Eagles and Patriots

Jalen Hurts’ comments arrive at a moment when speculation around Brown’s future appears stronger than ever. The star wide receiver has hinted multiple times that he has not been fully satisfied with his role in Philadelphia’s offense, fueling belief around the league that tensions may exist behind the scenes.

The rumors intensified even more after reports linked Brown with the Patriots and head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached the receiver during their time together with the Tennessee Titans. That relationship has made New England one of the teams most frequently connected to a potential blockbuster trade.

Despite all the uncertainty, Hurts made it clear that he still values the chemistry and success he built with Brown in Philadelphia. “Nothing has changed since we last spoke at the end of the season. We’re really good.” But as trade speculation continues growing and the offseason moves deeper into the summer, questions surrounding the future of one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterback-receiver duos are not going away anytime soon.

“With A.J. Brown pretty much out the door, Hollywood Brown was brought in to give the Eagles some much-needed speed,” the insider Anthony Miller revealed on Inside the Iggles’.

“Since Hollywood was signed, though, Philly also added Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore, adding more pressure on Brown to perform well and might end up being a backup. If Brown can show the Eagles he still has it at OTAs, it might give him a better chance to start from Day 1.”

The Philadelphia Eagles quickly want to return to the spotlight after failing to achieve their goal of reaching the last Super Bowl. While awaiting a resolution regarding what will happen with A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts will have several weapons at his disposal in 2026 to hurt opponents through the air.

How much could Brown contribute to the Eagles?

Marquise Brown’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was highlighted by his championship presence, winning Super Bowl LIX with the team despite an early-season injury setback. After recovering, his role expanded significantly, and he wrapped up the 2025 season with 49 receptions for 587 yards and 5 touchdowns.

His elite, field-stretching speed remains his ultimate weapon, acting as the absolute key to blowing off the top of opposing secondaries, creating massive deep-threat opportunities, and opening up the entire field for the offense.

Jalen Hurts will have several aerial weapons with the Eagles

While A.J. Brown’s situation has not yet been resolved, his stay in Philadelphia Eagles appears to have its days numbered. That is why Jalen Hurts will now have to rely more than ever on players such as DeVonta Smith and recently drafted Makai Lemon.

Dalton’s arrival provides experience and stability, something the Eagles clearly value as they prepare for the 2026 season. While Hurts remains the unquestioned starter, adding a seasoned veteran gives Philadelphia insurance and leadership in a position group that often defines a team’s ceiling.

This move also reflects a broader sense of urgency within the organization. After falling short of expectations last season, the Eagles are making calculated decisions to ensure they remain Super Bowl contenders rather than taking a step back in 2025 with an early playoff exit.

Eagles QB room takes shape with veteran addition

The Eagles’ quarterback room is now set with Jalen Hurts as the starter, backed up by Tanner McKee and newly acquired veteran Andy Dalton. The group blends stability, youth, and experience.

Dalton’s arrival serves as an immediate response to the departure of Sam Howell, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys. By adding a proven veteran, the Eagles ensure they maintain depth and leadership behind Hurts heading into a crucial 2026 season.

Why Andy Dalton makes sense for Philadelphia

Andy Dalton brings years of starting experience and a reputation as a reliable presence in the locker room having played for many teams like the Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, Saints and Panthers. For a team led by Hurts, who continues to evolve as a franchise quarterback, having a veteran like Dalton can be invaluable in both preparation and in-game situations.

The Eagles are not bringing Dalton in to challenge for the starting job, but rather to elevate the overall standard of the quarterback room. His ability to step in if needed, combined with his knowledge of the game, makes him an ideal backup for a team with playoff aspirations. He could also be a mentor for McKee.

A bounce-back year is the priority

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 season with something to prove. Despite winning the NFC East, their playoff run ended earlier than expected with a Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. For a team that recently celebrated a Super Bowl title, that outcome fell well below expectations.

The front office’s recent moves, including the addition of Dalton, highlight a commitment to avoiding a similar disappointment. The Eagles are clearly focused on putting themselves in the best possible position to make a deeper postseason run.

Uncertainty around A.J. Brown adds intrigue

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Eagles is the uncertain future of A.J. Brown. The star wide receiver has not appeared fully satisfied with the team, and questions about his long-term status continue to circulate.

If the situation escalates, it could have a significant impact on the offense. Brown has been a key weapon for Hurts, and any disruption could challenge the team’s ability to maintain its offensive identity.

The NFC East will be a battle

The path forward won’t be easy, especially within the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys boast a high-powered offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, making them a constant threat.

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are set to welcome back Jayden Daniels, adding another dynamic element to the division. The New York Giants are also aiming for a major turnaround under John Harbaugh, further intensifying the competition.

During the 2025 season, rumors suggested that the Eagles were open to trading Brown. Reports indicated that the star wide receiver was not fully comfortable with Jalen Hurts, the offensive scheme, or the overall direction under Sirianni. The head coach has now addressed what lies ahead for the Pro Bowl wideout.

“Will A.J. be here next season? I think we’re still in a spot where I can’t guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season,” Sirianni said, per Ari Meirov. “I’m thinking I’m going to be the coach next season, but you can’t guarantee anything past tomorrow.”

One last dance for A.J. Brown?

In 2025, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator following Kellen Moore’s departure to the Saints. However, the move did not produce the desired results for Hurts and the offense.

Philadelphia struggled offensively throughout the season, ultimately leading Sirianni to part ways with Patullo. Sean Mannion has since taken over as offensive coordinator, ushering in a new system and renewed optimism within the locker room.

With a revamped offensive approach, Brown could decide to stay in Philadelphia for at least one more season. Reports suggest Mannion’s scheme will be more aggressive and dynamic, potentially helping the Eagles rediscover the offensive rhythm they displayed under Moore.

Are there teams interested in A.J. Brown?

If the Eagles were to make Brown available, there would undoubtedly be strong interest across the league. He remains one of the NFL’s top wide receivers and a proven veteran capable of elevating any passing attack.

Teams such as the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns could monitor his situation closely. However, Brown would likely prefer joining a true contender. Among those mentioned, Denver may present the most appealing competitive opportunity if a trade were to materialize.

Coming off a solid Super Bowl victory in 2025, the Eagles disappointed many during their title defense. They failed to get past the Wild Card round, shockingly losing at home to the San Francisco 49ers.

However, Philadelphia is determined to change that in 2026. Fortunately for the organization, positive news has arrived, as a crucial member of Jalen Hurts’ offense has announced his return for the upcoming season.

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson announces his return for 2026 season

The Eagles have arguably one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Despite recent retirements of several stars, including Jason Kelce, the unit has remained one of the strongest in the league.

Fortunately, Philadelphia will have one of its cornerstone players back in 2026. According to team insider Jeff McLane, right tackle Lane Johnson confirmed he will return for the upcoming campaign, calling it one last run with the Eagles.

Johnson, a future Hall of Famer, had been rumored to be considering retirement this offseason. However, the veteran right tackle has decided to return for his 14th season as he continues recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury that sidelined him for the final eight games of the year.

A new era for the Eagles

Following a disappointing 2025 season, the Eagles decided to part ways with Kevin Patullo. The team will now turn to Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator, with high expectations for improvement heading into 2026.

With stars such as A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and others, this offense must rediscover the efficiency it once displayed under Kellen Moore’s guidance. Otherwise, the pressure in Philadelphia will only continue to intensify.

According to Jeff McLane of Uncovering the Birds and other multiple reports, right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson could consider retiring from the NFL. This would be a massive blow to the Eagles and specifically, Jalen Hurts, who would see how his two star linemen won’t be there to protect him anymore.

However, McLane gave some hope. “In terms of Lane and his future, here’s what I can say: He’s definitely not sure if he’s coming back or not, is the impression I get. You would think maybe this would make it a little less likely,” McLane said, stating that it is just a thought, not a certainty. “When you’re looking at retirement, it’s, ‘Can my body do it again? Do I want to do it again? Lane has a very high standard for himself.”

As for Landon Dickerson, it is all the more surprising given that Dickerson is only 27 years old. “Landon Dickerson may be even more of a question mark,” McLane said. This was backed up by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Dickerson would definitely shock as he has been majorily healthy during his five-year career.

The Eagles offensive line would be absolutely destroyed

The Eagles were known for having the best offensive line in football. However, their captain and center Jason Kelce retired after the 2023 season. Still, a good core was left. Now, if they lose Dickerson and Johnson, it would be an absolute travesty. Only LT Jordan Mailata would remain from that great unit, alongside many new players. Without an elite O-line, the fact is Jalen Hurts could get exposed.

The running game could also suffer

Of course, the running game starring Saquon Barkley would also have plenty of things to adjust. Barkley had a “down” year compared to his 2024 season. In 2024, he had 345 attempts, 2,005 yards, and 13 touchdowns and was an All-Pro.

In 2025, he ended with 1,140 yards and just seven touchdowns. Basically, he had half the production. Without an elite offensive line, Barkley will have an uphill battle to get some momentum going for the team’s rushing game.