Eagles' trade for Andy Dalton has interesting ripple effect for Jets, Browns, Steelers

The 2026 NFL offseason is not one with plenty of top-tier quarterbacks available for a reasonable price. Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray were cut and signed veteran minimum deals with their new teams.

Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins, and Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets. But, just as the Jets aren't done at quarterback, the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers have work to do as well.

And in the wake of the Philadelphia Eagles trading for Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers, a trade scenario just became a whole lot more feasible. As Connor Hughes of SNY posted, the Eagles might not be ready to move on from Tanner McKee in a trade.

Eagles could trade Tanner McKee after Andy Dalton deal

"Would imagine this is a precursor to a Tanner McKee trade," Hughes reports. "Heard the Eagles were looking for a significant return to deal him."

The Eagles trading McKee wouldn't be a major surprise, as there have been rumors floating around this offseason that he's available for trade.

But the Eagles didn't have a clear reason to move on from McKee, especially without a competent backup ready to take over in case of a Jalen Hurts injury. That's now changed with Dalton coming to Philadelphia.

With the Eagles now having a solid backup on the roster in Dalton, McKee's trade to a QB-needy team becomes a whole lot more feasible.

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Hughes' post mentions a deal could be on the horizon following the Dalton trade. And if McKee is possibly on the move, one of the Jets, Browns, and Steelers could be in play for the 6-foot-6 2023 NFL Draft pick.

The Jets could use another QB in case Smith isn't good. The Browns have Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel, none of whom have been overly impressive. The Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers and could target McKee in a deal.

McKee might not be on the move from the Eagles, but if there were ever a sign that he could be on his way to a new team, it would be after this Dalton trade.

Fans of the Browns, Jets, Steelers, and any team that could use a quarterback should pay close attention to any Eagles and McKee rumors, as this Dalton trade could lead to a significant quarterback trade this offseason.

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• Browns agree to deals with Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins
• Devin Bush leaves Browns for Bears on $30 million contract
• Zion Johnson agrees to $49.5 million contract with Browns