This offseason could prove pivotal for both the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Tanner McKee, reflecting the payoff of three years of persistent effort by McKee. Reports from Essentially Sports indicate that the New York Jets are exploring the possibility of acquiring McKee, a sixth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, who has unexpectedly emerged as a potential starting quarterback candidate for another franchise.
Essentially Sports NFL reporter Tony Pauline shared insight into the Jets’ quarterback situation:
The New York Jets are officially bargain hunting at quarterback, according to league sources,
“… After last year’s failure at quarterback, the Jets are once again in the market for a starting signal caller to compete with or replace Justin Fields. Much of the narrative outside the league has centered around the team potentially making a trade for Kyler Murray. Yet people in the league tell me if general manager Darren Mougey gets his way, the Jets will look to bring in a less-expensive signal caller, and two names keep entering the conversation: Tanner McKee and Davis Mills.”
– Tony Pauline, Essentially Sports NFL reporter
Speculation Grows around Jets and McKee Trade Possibility
As the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches, speculation linking the Jets and McKee has intensified. McKee demonstrated his capability when he filled in for Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts during the 2024 regular season after Hurts sustained a concussion, performing competently in Hurts’ absence and starting the final 2025 regular season game.
Sheil Kapadia of The Ringer observed in November that McKee might serve as a valuable bargaining piece for a rebuilding team like the Jets. With the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports at 15 seasons, the Jets are undergoing a significant transformation under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. Ahead of the trade deadline, the team executed a fire sale and now holds five first-round draft picks across the next two years — two in 2026 and three in 2027.
This positioning allows the Jets the flexibility to use McKee potentially as a starting quarterback in 2026 while preserving their top draft choices for other strategic needs if McKee performs well. During The Ringer NFL Show, Kapadia remarked:
I was thinking a couple of things here, and one of them is Tanner McKee, because I was trying to look at backups and you say, is there a backup here (who could be a starter)?
I’m a huge Tanner McKee fan. I think it could be done. They’re in line for a big time rebuild. He could be the guy.
– Sheil Kapadia, The Ringer
Eagles Poised to Consider New Quarterback Options in 2026 Draft
If Philadelphia completes a trade involving McKee, ideally fetching a third- or fourth-round pick, they may look to select a new quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Zach Berman of The Athletic has highlighted Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green as a likely target, projected to be available in the fourth round.
Green, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 224 pounds, played three seasons at Boise State, earning recognition such as Mountain West Conference (MWC) Freshman of the Year in 2022 and MWC Championship Game MVP in 2023. Transferring to Arkansas, he compiled 5,868 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions over two seasons, while adding 1,379 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, showcasing dual-threat ability.
Potential Impact of McKee’s Trade on Jets and Eagles
A trade involving Tanner McKee would be significant for both franchises. For the Jets, McKee represents a cost-effective option at quarterback during a critical rebuild, offering a possible immediate starter and the chance to conserve valuable draft capital. Meanwhile, the Eagles would gain additional draft assets, enabling a fresh start through the 2026 draft to address their quarterback needs.
With General Manager Darren Mougey steering the Jets’ strategy and Aaron Glenn shaping the new team dynamic, McKee’s move may mark an important moment in the Jets’ effort to end their lengthy playoff drought. For McKee himself, the trade interest could transform a once unlikely future into an opportunity to showcase his skills as a starter on a new team.
A pre-combine Eagles mock draft: https://t.co/cyvJUQM1dW pic.twitter.com/jitGje8dpj
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 10, 2026
