Here’s where Eagles’ Tanner McKee truly ranks when measured vs. other NFL backup quarterbacks.
As hard as this may be to believe, we have one more year before we need to begin discussing Tanner McKee’s contract season. That’s how quickly time flies in the NFL. It seems like it was just yesterday when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him as the 188th player taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That made him a sixth-rounder. All he has done since then is impress, and everyone, both inside and outside the Eagles organization, has taken notice. That has led to debates about whether Philadelphia should trade him, as his stock has never been any higher.
It’s an intriguing discussion, but here’s a little truth serum. Though some have asked in smaller circles, it’s doubtful that Philadelphia will receive a first-round draft choice for McKee’s services. Plus, he’s too valuable to trade.
With Jalen Hurts’ play style, there is a constant threat of injury. He missed time in 2021, 2022, and last season. No one knows more than Jeffrey Lurie or Howie Roseman about the importance of keeping a capable QB2 on the active roster in case of injury. Think of A.J. Feeley, Jeff Garcia, and Nick Foles for reminders. That’s why McKee is more valuable to this roster as a player than a trade piece.
Ranking Tanner McKee vs. the NFL’s top backup QBs
So, how does Tanner McKee measure up when ranked vs. the other backups in the NFL? It’s good that you asked that question. Here are the top five ranked from top to bottom. It must be noted. Rookies who haven’t played a snap in the NFL yet weren’t considered for inclusion. It’s challenging to place them over players who have taken essential snaps in a crucial game that counts.
1. Kirk Cousins
At this point, we’ve all resigned ourselves to the understanding that we will never agree about Kirk Cousins’ value. His career record as a starter is barely above .500 (83-41-2), but he’s won games, seen everything, and found victory in the postseason, even if he has only done the latter one time.
2. Tanner McKee
This isn’t biased. One truly has to dig to find things that Tanner McKee isn’t doing well. He’s not going to break the pocket and scramble for 40 yards, but in his two career in-game appearances with one start, he has crafted a 1-0 record while completing 66.7% of his passes and crafting a 4-0 TD-to-interception ratio.
3. Jimmy Garoppolo
We may never know what a durable Jimmy Garoppolo, who plays all 17 games, looks like. That’s probably why the Los Angeles Rams refused to let him take any snaps during the preseason. He’s played in big games and has won many of them. His career tally stands at 43 wins vs. 21 losses. A strong supporting cast is needed, but an upright Garoppolo can win games.
4. Jake Browning
Jake Browning played five offensive snaps last season, so we can only grade him on his seven-game run in 2023, one game played for the Cincinnati Bengals in relief of Joe Burrow. Give him an A for that, as he played well while leading a limited franchise that does more harm than good to its players.
In 2023, he crafted a 70.4% completion percentage. He also tallied 1,936 yards passing, 12 passing TDs, seven interceptions, 127 yards rushing, and three rushing TDs. He finished above .500 with a 4-3 record. It seems strange that we don’t discuss him more often.
5. Malik Willis
The Tennessee Titans seemingly gave up on Malik Willis after only three starts. Frankly, Tennessee may deserve more blame for that failed relationship than Malik Willis does.
Last year, as a member of a better-run organization, the Green Bay Packers, he suddenly learned how to play football. He started two games in relief of Jordan Love and won both of them, throwing for 550 yards and three TDs vs. zero interceptions.
He completed 74.1% of his passes and ran for 138 yards and a TD on 20 rushing attempts. Those are running back-like stats. Don’t give up on Malik Willis yet. Things didn’t work out in Nashville, but the first-round selection was warranted. He needs sufficient coaching.
In closing: Other guys considered for this list were (in no particular order) Jarrett Stidham, Gardner Minshew, Kenny Pickett, Andy Dalton, Cooper Rush, Carson Wentz, Jameis Winston, Mac Jones, Drew Lock, and Anthony Richardson. Based on recent results, however, it was hard to argue any of them into the top five.
So far, so good for Jaxson Dart, but again, there’s a need to see him play some meaningful snaps before overreacting.
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