NFL

Tanner McKee's Name Surfaces in Eagles Trade Chatter as Philadelphia Weighs Deadline Moves

Tanner McKee's Name Surfaces in Eagles Trade Chatter as Philadelphia Weighs Deadline Moves

The Philadelphia Eagles' current six-game skid has fueled speculation that the franchise might part with several players in the final year of their contracts. Among those rumored to be on the trading block are wide receiver Hollywood Brown, cornerback Riq Woolen, tight end Dallas Goedert, cornerback Michael Carter II, and quarterback Tanner McKee, according to reports from Sports Illustrated.

While McKee's benching in favor of Joe Milton III might temper interest from other teams, the Eagles could still explore his market value as an impending free agent. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, also in a contract year, appears to be a different case. General manager Howie Roseman has signaled to rival clubs that the team intends to pursue a long-term extension with Ojomo, who has drawn significant interest, even though Philadelphia already has Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis on substantial second contracts.

Milton Takes Over as Starter

Joe Milton III is slated to make his first NFL start for the Eagles on Sunday against the New York Giants, a move that became necessary after Tanner McKee struggled in three starts. McKee, who went 0-3 as a starter, was often hampered by a patchwork supporting cast that included practice-squad running backs, backup receivers, and a makeshift offensive line operating in a disjointed scheme. His style of play did not elevate those around him, and he struggled to create off-schedule plays when conditions were less than ideal. The Eagles hope Milton's strong arm—he has averaged the second-most air yards per attempt since 2024 among quarterbacks with at least 50 attempts—can provide a spark.

Milton, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, expressed excitement about the opportunity but emphasized the need to stay ready. "We all know that you have to be ready to be on the field at all times," Milton said during a Thursday press conference at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. "So, I'm going to be ready on Sunday. We still have work to do and time to get everything we need to do in order, so we're going to keep chipping away and then on Sunday go out there and play our game against the New York Giants."

Offensive Line Coach Rumor Denied

Jason Kelce, the future Hall of Fame center, publicly refuted rumors that Eagles players wanted offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland removed. Kelce suggested that such leaks often surface when seasons unravel, as a way to deflect responsibility. He made it clear that the decision to move on from one of the NFL's premier offensive line coaches was an organizational choice, not one driven by the players.

Trade Deadline and Roster Moves

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Eagles have already acted as sellers, sending center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2028 second-round pick. The team may also consider moving Ojomo, though his contract situation complicates matters. Additionally, the Eagles hold the Ravens' fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft, and Baltimore's recent placement of quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on injured reserve could improve that pick's value.

In other news, the Carolina Panthers hosted former Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett for a visit on Thursday, two days after he cleared waivers. Bennett, a fourth-year corner, was released by Philadelphia earlier in the week.

Jalen Hurts Investigation Not Yet Underway

Despite widespread assumptions that the NFL and NFL Players Association have launched a joint investigation into the care and recommendations quarterback Jalen Hurts received from team and league doctors, no formal investigation has begun. The league and union issued a statement saying they are working together to review the matter, but a formal probe has not been initiated. The NFLPA has the right under the Collective Bargaining Agreement to start an investigation, but it has not done so. Any official inquiry must be fair, objective, and transparent, not a self-protective exercise.

Fantasy and Matchup Notes

For fantasy football managers, Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a recommended pickup. He scored 10.18 points in Week 7, completing 20-of-28 passes for 252 yards, and faces an Eagles defense that ranks in the bottom 10 against quarterbacks. McCarthy's rushing totals were down, but he is seeing the field well and driving the ball from the pocket.

In the NFC East, the Giants (4-2-1) are riding high and appear poised to challenge for the division title. They travel to Philadelphia to face the reeling Eagles, who have lost six straight and are dealing with a rash of injuries. The Giants have not won at Lincoln Financial Field since 2013, but with a new identity under head coach John Harbaugh and a well-rested roster coming off a bye, they may finally snap that streak. The Eagles, meanwhile, are searching for answers on offense and defense as they try to salvage their season.

Originally reported by yahoo.