Andy Dalton appears to have early edge in Eagles backup QB competition

[ASFN Admin]

The Philadelphia Eagles haven't opened every offseason practice to the media, but they've opened enough to reveal an interesting trend. Whenever reporters have been present, Andy Dalton has frequently worked with the second-team offense. Not Tanner McKee... Andy Dalton...

That observation has sparked some conversation, especially considering McKee entered the offseason as the presumed favorite to serve as Jalen Hurts' primary backup. Following the first mandatory minicamp practice, Eagles Wire's Glenn Erby noted that the competition still appears unsettled.

"One of the more intriguing battles entering minicamp involves the backup quarterback position... Dalton brings experience and stability, while McKee offers developmental upside and familiarity with the organization. The competition likely extends through training camp and the preseason, but every rep remains valuable as Philadelphia determines who will serve as the primary backup."

That alone is noteworthy. Perhaps this shouldn't be surprising.

An Eagles QB competition that may not be over​

The Eagles have a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion and a new system being installed. Every player, whether a veteran or someone already familiar with the organization, is being evaluated through a fresh lens.

Still, many assumed McKee had a firm grip on the No. 2 role after spending the past few seasons developing behind Hurts. According to Jeff McLane's practice observations, that may no longer be the case.

"McKee no longer has a firm grip on the No. 2 spot, which is mildly surprising... It’s not like Dalton has overly impressed. Like Hurts a week ago, Dalton’s first pass in seven-on-sevens resulted in an interception... Later on, Dalton was nearly intercepted by cornerback Jonathan Jones. He had some solid throws, too. Dalton found receiver Elijah Moore down the seam on a busted coverage. He twice hit receiver Johnny Wilson on crossers. And he found Danny Gray in the end zone after the receiver beat his man to the sideline."

Everyone is doing their best to guess what the Eagles are thinking. The bigger questions may be about what this competition means. Are the Eagles simply giving a respected veteran every opportunity to earn the role? Do they simply see Dalton as the better player? Or could there be something more at play?

McKee's name has surfaced in trade speculation before. Teams around the league have always valued young quarterbacks who show developmental promise. If Philadelphia believes Dalton can capably handle backup duties, could McKee eventually become a trade asset?

That's probably getting ahead of ourselves, but if true, that could explain the need to get Dalton as many reps as possible. It's a situation worth monitoring. For now, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

The Eagles are evaluating quarterbacks. Dalton is receiving meaningful reps. McKee is receiving meaningful reps. Neither has officially won anything. Still, one thing has become clear. The backup quarterback competition that many assumed was settled appears very much alive, and until someone creates separation, every practice rep will continue to matter.


This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Andy Dalton appears to have early edge in Eagles backup QB competition

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