The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired quarterback Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a seventh-round pick, providing additional depth behind starter Jalen Hurts. Dalton, 38, spent the last three seasons with the Panthers, primarily backing up Bryce Young, but he also started five games in 2024. Prior to Carolina, Dalton spent nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by stops with the Cowboys in 2020, Bears in 2021, and Saints in 2022. In 2025, he made a single appearance, completing 16 of 24 passes for 175 yards without a touchdown, adding one interception, and taking seven sacks in a 40-9 loss to the Bills.
Hurts remains the Eagles’ undisputed starter, while Tanner McKee currently serves as the primary backup. The arrival of Dalton could prove valuable as the team transitions to new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who will be calling plays for the first time in his NFL career. Mannion’s approach is expected to emphasize more traditional passing concepts, and Dalton’s extensive experience in multiple offensive schemes may help bridge that transition. Dalton became available after Carolina signed Kenny Pickett as their new backup, making him expendable.
Implications for Tanner McKee’s future
For now, McKee remains on the roster, though Dalton’s addition raises questions about his long-term role. The sixth-round pick from 2023 showed promise in limited opportunities during 2024, completing 30 of 45 passes for 323 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions over two games. Much of that came in a Week 18 win against the Giants, though he also threw two touchdowns on just four attempts against the Cowboys earlier. In 2025 preseason action, McKee went 20 of 25 for 252 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining a perfect interception record, though his Week 18 start that year ended in a loss to the Commanders.
While these numbers represent small sample sizes, they are enough to attract interest from other teams. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, McKee combines physical attributes with youth at 25 years old. Reports suggest that multiple teams have shown curiosity this offseason. Dalton’s arrival may signal that the Eagles are considering moving McKee, though no decisions have been made yet. Philadelphia could still carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, potentially keeping Hurts, McKee, and Dalton, or opting for a rookie behind Hurts instead.
Possible landing spots if McKee is traded
Several teams might be potential fits for McKee should the Eagles decide to move him. The Arizona Cardinals, with Jacoby Brissett under contract, could explore McKee as a developmental option. First-year coach Mike LaFleur might view him as a potential long-term backup, and even limited success could make the experiment worthwhile. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers could consider McKee if Aaron Rodgers does not return, providing a bridge option with a solid wide receiver duo in DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. A strong performance could stabilize the team, while a lackluster showing might push the Steelers to focus on the 2027 quarterback draft class.
Another possible destination is the Green Bay Packers. The team recently lost Malik Willis in free agency, and although Jordan Love remains the starter, the Packers understand the value of quality depth at quarterback. McKee could offer another option for the roster while providing insurance behind Love.