One of the more entertaining pieces of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 preseason was the expected battle behind Jalen Hurts. Early in the year, the front office traded away Kenny Pickett, showing a strong level of belief in Tanner McKee to be the primary backup. However, McKee wasn't the only option with rookie Kyle McCord and veteran Dorian Thompson-Robinson both outside shots of making Philly's final roster. Things didn't go as hoped for, either QB forcing the Eagles to make a move.
Due to injury concerns with McKee, the Eagles dealt for backup quarterback and former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell. It gives needed security behind Hurts and brings in a level of experience. While you never want to see Howell take the field, it at least offers a puncher's chance if Hurts were to miss any meaningful time.
With this in mind, Eagles GM Howie Roseman was questioned about the deal and if it can still be made if McKee is healthy. The Philly frontman made it clear that Howell would've been added even if McKee were completely healthy. This isn't just an endorsement of the new Eagles backup but an indictment of the two players the franchise just cut.
Howie Roseman says the Eagles would've made the Sam Howell trade even if Tanner McKee wasn't injured.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 26, 2025
Eagles Rookie Kyle McCord Continues to Be a Profound Disappointment
Brandon Lee Gowton reported the GM's comments that were an indirect shot at both Thompson-Robinson and McCord. Without saying it directly, Roseman is making it clear that the quarterbacks simply weren't getting the job done. This is far from a hot take, with the rookie's struggles being well covered throughout camp and the preseason. McCord was a complete mess in the moment, looking far too big for the young signal caller.
Roseman making it clear that the franchise was always going to turn the page from the rookie, regardless of the Howell deal, isn't a surprise. It simply serves as further confirmation of what fans and pundits already knew about the position. There is also a piece of this that illustrates why the Eagles remain the clear NFC favorites heading into the 2025 season.
Despite spending a draft pick on McCord, there was no illusion about what the quarterback's performance indicated. Lesser organizations wouldn't give up simply based on the price spent. However, the Eagles are unafraid to admit mistakes and quickly pivot in another direction. That is exactly why Howell was brought in and continues to point to a winning mindset that has Eagles fans believing not only in 2025 but in the years to come.