Eagles Have Clear Favorite in Backup QB Job for Obvious Reason

Several NFL organizations have been willing to keep four quarterbacks on their roster in recent years, even though that's not typical. 

The Philadelphia Eagles currently find themselves in a similar situation, as Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, and Cole Payton all have some sort of role in this quarterback room. 

Hurts, the guaranteed starter who has been one of the more above-average quarterbacks in the NFL in recent years, doesn't have much to worry about. A guy like Payton also shouldn't have too much to worry about after being selected in the draft by Howie Roseman this past year, but it remains uncertain what he wants to do for his development.

For now, many believe Payton can develop into a backup quarterback in Philadelphia, which would be ideal. As for McKee and Dalton, both are well-respected veterans who could even start elsewhere if a player gets injured. While the Eagles will probably have to decide between them, the latest suggests Dalton might have the upper hand.

“The Eagles have four quarterbacks on the roster – an established franchise player in three-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Hurts, a developmental rookie in fifth-round pick Cole Payton, and a pair of veterans who know how to support a quarterback room in Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee.

“Dalton and McKee have split the second-team reps throughout Training Camp. Dalton, acquired in a trade this offseason from Carolina, has started both of the preseason contests. A 16-year NFL veteran, the longtime starter in Cincinnati has pretty much seen it all during his career. Valued for his experience in the new offensive scheme being implemented by the Eagles, as well as his ability to connect with teammates both on and off the field, Dalton is a steadying presence who allows GMs to sleep a little easier at night,” Chris McPherson of the team wrote on Sunday.

Dalton isn't going to wow anybody with what he does at this stage of his career, and hasn't for much of it, regardless. 

However, as McPherson touched on, he's a guy who you can throw into the fire, and you know that he's not going to be terrible. Not to say that he's going to be perfect and help the Eagles win every game they play, but if he has to play for a couple of weeks, the Eagles probably won't miss too much of a beat.

McKee can also be really good at times, but he has more uncertainties in his game than a player like Dalton just because of how long Dalton has been playing this game.