Eagles backup quarterback battle moves into preseason spotlight

The Philadelphia Eagles know Jalen Hurts will open the regular season as their starting quarterback. What remains unsettled is the hierarchy behind him. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee have rotated throughout training camp while competing to become Hurts’ primary backup. Philadelphia’s first unofficial depth chart reflected the uncertainty by listing Dalton and McKee together with an “or” designation.

Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens will move the competition from controlled practices to live game action.

Hurts is unlikely to receive significant work, if he plays at all. That should give Dalton and McKee meaningful opportunities to operate Sean Mannion’s offense against an unfamiliar defense, manage the huddle and respond when plays don’t unfold as designed.

Tanner McKee has familiarity on his side.

McKee enters his fourth season with Philadelphia after serving as Hurts’ primary backup in 2025. He started the regular-season finale against Washington and completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.

The former Stanford quarterback understands the Eagles ’ personnel and has experience developing inside the organization. He also possesses the size and arm strength to attack intermediate and deeper areas of the field.

McKee’s challenge is showing that his familiarity can translate into consistent game management. He must avoid holding the football too long, protect it under pressure and keep the offense operating on schedule.

The Eagles have invested three years in his development. A strong preseason would reinforce the belief that he remains capable of stepping in if Hurts misses time.

Andy Dalton offers extensive NFL experience.

Dalton arrived in Philadelphia after the Eagles acquired him from the Carolina Panthers for a 2027 seventh-round pick.

The 38-year-old has made 169 regular-season starts and thrown for nearly 40,000 yards during 15 NFL seasons. He has experienced playoff races, coaching changes and nearly every situation a backup quarterback could encounter.

That experience gives Dalton an advantage in diagnosing coverage, handling pressure and making quick decisions. Saturday will show how comfortable he has become in Mannion’s system and with Philadelphia’s skill-position players.

Dalton doesn’t need to produce spectacular numbers. The Eagles need him to demonstrate command, accuracy and an ability to avoid mistakes that change games.

The evaluation extends beyond the box score.

Preseason quarterback competitions aren’t decided solely by yards and touchdowns. Sirianni and Mannion will evaluate how each player communicates the play call, handles the operation and responds to unfavorable situations.

Protection may break down behind a reserve offensive line. Receivers may run incorrect routes. Penalties could place the offense behind the chains. The quarterback who manages those moments without creating additional problems will strengthen his case.

Third-down execution and red-zone performance will also matter. Moving the offense between the 20-yard lines is encouraging, but backup quarterbacks earn trust by completing drives and protecting points.

Cole Payton has a developmental opportunity.

Rookie Cole Payton is listed behind Dalton and McKee and could receive late-game work against Baltimore.

Payton isn’t expected to enter the immediate competition for the No. 2 role, but every preseason snap matters for his development. He must show that he can process Mannion’s system, use his athleticism and make sound decisions against NFL defenders.

His performance could influence whether the Eagles view him as a developmental quarterback worth carrying on the practice squad.

One preseason game may not settle the competition between Dalton and McKee. Philadelphia will still have two games and joint practices with New England before making a final decision.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles backup quarterback battle moves into preseason spotlight

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