In a roster surprise, Eagles keep all four quarterbacks on initial 53-man roster

Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton and Cole Payton all made the cut before the deadline

By Reuben Frank • Published August 30, 2026

Will they trade Tanner McKee? Will they trade or release Andy Dalton? Will they release Cole Payton?

No, no and no.

The Eagles surprisingly kept all four of their quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster announced Sunday evening.

This doesn’t answer the pressing question who will be No. 2, but for now – and this could change any time – they are carrying four QBs on the 53.

Jalen Hurts will be the opening-day starter for the sixth straight season, McKee goes into his fourth year with the Eagles and Dalton made the team as a veteran signing. Payton is a rookie 5th-round pick from North Dakota State.

Dalton and McKee competed through the summer to back up Hurts, and after 3 ½ weeks of training camp practices and three preseason games there was no clear winner.

McKee, the Eagles’ 6th-round pick in 2023, completed 34 of 54 passes in the three preseason games for 263 yards, two touchdowns and one interception that wasn’t totally his fault for a 79.5 passer rating. He was very good vs. the Patriots and ineffective in the two other preseason games.

Dalton, the 16th-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler with the Bengals, was 18-for-35 for 168 yards with one TD and no interceptions. He was very good Friday night against the Bengals but ineffective in the two other games.

One of the big questions at the QB position was what would happen with Payton. Payton played well in his only extended preseason action, throwing a touchdown pass and rushing three times for 45 yards vs. the Ravens. He showed up in the preseason finale against the Bengals in punt coverage, which was a sign the Eagles value his versatility. With his speed and athleticism – he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in college - there’s a chance he could contribute in ways other than playing quarterback. That would help explain why the Eagles kept him on the 53.

Howie Roseman might still trade either Dalton or McKee. Although both had uneven results during camp and in the preseason, a team looking for a proven veteran could target Dalton and a team interested in a young developmental QB that’s already had some success in the league could go after McKee.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/in-a-roster-surprise-eagles-keep-all-four-quarterbacks-on-initial-53-man-roster/748832/

Trade Dalton? I’m not sure there’s a team out there desperate enough to trade for him is there?

I think after week 1 Dalton will be gone...