The NFL is indeed an arms race, and you can never have enough good quarterbacks. The Eagles have a factory, and Tanner McKee could be the most valuable asset heading into the 2025 free agency and NFL draft frenzy. McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick out of Stanford, waited for this moment, and in Week 17, his first game action would be one for the record books and a potential film on the big screen.
With Kenny Pickett nursing broken ribs, McKee became the first player in the NFL Draft era (since 1936) to have multiple touchdown passes in his NFL debut while attempting five or fewer passes.
The former Stanford quarterback and sixth-round pick finished 3-4 passing for 54 yards (13.5 avg) and two touchdowns, with a 156.2 rating. McKee will start the season finale, and with an uncertain off-season for several NFL teams, he could be a trade prospect to watch.
We’re looking at six teams that could be interested in acquiring McKee.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Browns’ issues are more prominent than Deshaun Watson, and he’s owed $92 million over the next two seasons. McKee would provide the quarterback competition and cheap salary for Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) drops back to hand off in the first quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
If Sanders or Cam Ward are off the board, McKee could be just the young prospect that Tom Brady and Raiders brass could fall in love with.
Nov 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Anthony Richardson benching and “tap out” could have the Colts looking elsewhere. Shane Steichen knows how things work in Philadelphia, and they could pair McKee with Richardson to bring in competition.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws while pressured by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (53) during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on Nov 10, 2024, in Glendale.
With Aaron Rodgers on his way out, the Jets need a reset, and McKee is the perfect answer. The Jets should take a chance on Philadelphia’s young signal-caller.
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Despite making the playoffs, Pittsburgh has lost four straight games, and neither Justin Fields nor Russell Wilson looks like the answer. McKee could offer the answer and a competition piece for whichever quarterback they hold on to.
Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws the football against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Will Levis has a big arm but still makes too many errors with the football and hasn’t done enough for the Titans to assume he should be the starter in 2025. Brian Callahan is an offensive-minded head coach, and McKee could be the cerebral and efficient signal-caller he’s looking for.
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass the ball in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Looking ahead to the 2025 quarterback class, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, and Miami’s Cam Ward are the players to watch.
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Teams will look towards Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Joe Flacco, and Russell Wilson as potential options, along with Daniel Jones.
Nov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles out the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Saints will decide by free agency whether Carr is the starter in 2025 and McKee is a better player than Spencer Rattler.
