The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their 2024 Super Bowl triumph, have navigated a turbulent 2025 offseason. While the loss of key players and coaches during free agency was anticipated, few could have predicted the chaos sparked by two unexpected moves. First, edge rusher Bryce Huff stunned the organization by forcing a trade to the San Francisco 49ers after skipping OTAs and mandatory minicamp following a lackluster 2024 campaign. Now, another headache has emerged, this time at the quarterback position, where the Eagles’ gamble on Dorian Thompson-Robinson is looking like a costly misstep.
A Trade That’s Backfiring
Earlier this offseason, Philadelphia swung a deal to acquire Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick in exchange for Kenny Pickett, hoping the young quarterback could solidify the QB3 role behind Jalen Hurts. The move was seen as a low-risk opportunity to add depth and potential to the roster. However, Thompson-Robinson’s performance during OTAs and mandatory minicamp has raised serious doubts about his fit with the team.
Instead of seizing the opportunity, Thompson-Robinson has been outplayed by an unlikely competitor: sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord. According to Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation, McCord turned heads during minicamp with a pinpoint touchdown pass to Nick Muse in a tightly contested goal-to-go drill. Gowton noted, “It’s a small sample size because they barely get reps, but McCord has been noticeably better than Thompson-Robinson this spring.” For a front office that banked on Thompson-Robinson’s potential, this development is a bitter pill to swallow.
A Track Record of Struggles
The warning signs were there. Thompson-Robinson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns painted a clear picture of his limitations. Over two seasons, the 25-year-old completed just 52.6% of his passes (121/230) for 880 yards, with a dismal one touchdown against 10 interceptions. Those numbers hardly scream “NFL-ready,” and expecting a dramatic turnaround in Philadelphia may have been overly optimistic.
The Eagles’ coaching staff likely hoped Thompson-Robinson would use OTAs and minicamp to showcase growth and adaptability. Instead, his lackluster showings have only amplified concerns about his ability to handle the complexities of an NFL offense. With training camp looming, the pressure is on for Thompson-Robinson to prove he belongs. His only path forward is to dedicate the offseason to studying film, refining his mechanics, and building chemistry with his receivers. Anything less could see him relegated to the practice squad—or worse, off the roster entirely.
The Rise of Kyle McCord
Kyle McCord with a dart to a tightly covered Nick Muse in the end zone for a TD during a goal-to-go situation.
Impressive throw into traffic for the rookie QB. Very small sample size bc they barely rep but he’s been better than Dorian Thompson-Robinson this spring #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 10, 2025
While Thompson-Robinson flounders, Kyle McCord is quietly making a case for himself. The rookie’s poise and precision in limited reps have caught the attention of coaches and analysts alike. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, like the touchdown to Muse, suggests he may have the intangibles Philadelphia is looking for in a developmental quarterback. If McCord continues to outshine Thompson-Robinson in training camp and the preseason, the Eagles may have no choice but to reconsider their depth chart.
A Looming Regret
The decision to trade for Thompson-Robinson is starting to look like a rare miscalculation for an Eagles front office known for its savvy moves. With Huff’s departure already stinging, Philadelphia can ill afford another roster misstep. If Thompson-Robinson fails to turn things around, the trade will be remembered as a costly error, one that handed away a valuable asset in Pickett for a player who couldn’t rise to the occasion.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Thompson-Robinson. Can he salvage his Eagles tenure with a breakout performance, or will McCord’s emergence cement the trade as a bust? One thing is certain: the quarterback competition in Philadelphia is about to heat up, and the fallout from this offseason bombshell could shape the Eagles’ 2025 season.