Eagles' Andy Dalton trade means 1 thing, and it involves Tanner McKee

There's really only one way to interpret the Philadelphia Eagles' trade for Andy Dalton.

The deal itself was a simple one, Dalton from the Carolina Panthers to Philly in exchange for a seventh-round pick, which was reported Wednesday afternoon by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

This isn't just about Dalton, though.

This is about Tanner McKee.

The Eagles' 2025 backup QB was McKee, the 6-foot-6 passer out of Stanford.

Now, McKee might be heading elsewhere in another trade.

This isn't to say that anything has been agreed to yet. But McKee has already been floated as a trade possibility. It wouldn't be the first time the Eagles trade away their backup quarterback.

And when McKee has gotten a couple chances to play, he's looked pretty polished. His preseason performances have mostly been great. There's reason for another team to take a chance on him.

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It wouldn't necessarily be as a starter, but maybe someone like the Jets would try a small trade for McKee, let him compete with Geno Smith, and maybe you actually luck into a long-term QB.

The Eagles could also view Dalton as potentially expendable, too, if they decide they want to flip him again down the road.

But for now, all eyes turn to Philly's plans for McKee. They aren't known yet, but they seem to be pointing in one direction.

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