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Hidden Value Exposed: Philadelphia’s Backup QB Could Command a Stunning Trade Return

Posted on June 3, 2025 - 9:22 am by

In the high-stakes world of NFL talent evaluation, sixth and seventh-round draft picks are rarely hyped. For team executives, touting late-round selections offers little upside. A dependable starter from these rounds is a quiet victory; a high-value starter or, in rare cases, a star, is a career-defining coup. The Philadelphia Eagles may have struck such gold with their 2023 sixth-round pick, backup quarterback Tanner McKee, whose rapid development could yield massive dividends—potentially as a trade asset in 2025.

McKee, once a low-risk flier out of Stanford, has transformed into a player with tangible trade value. His growth over the past two years has positioned him as a critical piece behind reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. According to Bleeding Green Nation, McKee’s preseason performances could attract trade offers, with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman likely already fielding inquiries. While a first-round pick for McKee would be an instant deal, even a second-round offer would give Roseman pause. A third-round pick? Not even close to enough. “There’s no doubt in my mind McKee can be a plus NFL starter,” the report states, projecting that McKee could seize a starting role elsewhere if he hits free agency after the 2026 season. For now, though, the Eagles value his role as Hurts’ backup too much to part ways prematurely.

A Strategic Quarterback Pipeline

The Eagles have quietly built an enviable quarterback development system behind Hurts. Before the 2024 season, Roseman traded for former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to serve as Hurts’ backup, with McKee slotted as the emergency third quarterback. McKee’s progress, however, changed the equation. When he proved ready to assume the No. 2 role, Pickett was traded to the Cleveland Browns on March 10, 2024, giving him a fresh shot at a starting job.

Enter Kyle McCord, the Eagles’ 2025 sixth-round pick, who is poised to take over as the emergency third quarterback. McCord will compete with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, acquired from the Browns in March, for the No. 3 spot. Per ESPN’s Tim McManus, McCord has a chance to “develop behind the scenes as part of a quality QB room.” This setup allows McKee to solidify his role as the primary backup while McCord hones his skills, potentially preparing him to step up in the future. If McCord proves capable, the Eagles could either trade McKee for significant draft capital or let him test free agency post-2026, capitalizing on his elevated value.

Cost-Effective Depth Fuels Flexibility

The brilliance of Philadelphia’s strategy lies in its cost efficiency. Beyond Hurts’ contract, the Eagles keep quarterback expenses minimal. McKee and McCord are due a combined $2.13 million in 2025 and $2.15 million in 2026—negligible figures for NFL salaries. This low-cost depth allows the Eagles to maintain a robust quarterback room while preserving cap space for other roster needs. If McKee continues to shine, his trade value could net a significant return, further fueling Roseman’s roster-building machine.

The Eagles’ foresight in developing late-round quarterbacks like McKee and McCord showcases a rare blend of patience and opportunism. For now, McKee remains a vital insurance policy behind Hurts. But as his stock rises, the Eagles hold a valuable asset—one that could either anchor their depth or command a stunning trade return in the near future.