Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Eagles entered with ambitions of contending for a championship, mirroring the expectations they carried in 2024. With Hurts unavailable for the foreseeable future, the franchise will need to consider a range of strategies to keep the offense competitive while preserving draft capital and developing future assets.
Short-term options are available from within the organization, but there is also the possibility of acquiring a quarterback from outside the building. Here are four QB paths the Eagles could explore based on how they approach Hurts’ injury timeline and overall team needs.
Acquire from outside the organization
Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers backup)
Jones has demonstrated that he can step in and perform at a professional level when called upon. For Philadelphia, the appeal would lie in adding a proven starter-level talent without rebuilding the entire roster. The main trade-off would be giving up draft capital, which could impact the team’s long-term outlook. If the Eagles believe they can save the season with a capable signal-caller, Jones represents a viable option given his prior performance when he stepped in for an injured starter.
Carson Wentz
Wentz is a familiar name for Eagles fans, having led the team to success during a different era. Reuniting with the organization could appeal to a franchise seeking stability and a veteran presence in the huddle. Wentz is a former Super Bowl champion and has shown the ability to elevate an offense in the right system. The trade would be unusual given past history, but the potential for a quick, leadership-driven bridge quarterback could be compelling in a high-pressure stretch run.
Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rudolph brings extensive NFL experience to the table. While he may not be the flashiest unlock at the position, his steadiness and familiarity with professional game speed could help the Eagles stay competitive during Hurts’ absence. He represents a cost-effective option and could be a sensible bridge quarterback if the team prioritizes short-term stability and development of the rest of the roster.
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Herbert would be an ambitious and high-risk, high-reward move. If the Chargers’ plans for 2026 shift toward rebuilding or retooling, and Hurts’ injury drags on, a speculative trade for Herbert could become a topic of extreme consideration. The likelihood of such a trade is low given Herbert’s value and current team trajectory, but in a worst-case scenario where Hurts’ absence extends into a significant portion of the season, it’s the type of blockbuster option teams occasionally explore.
Already in the building
Tanner McKee
McKee, a former Stanford quarterback, is the internal option with the most potential to grow into a long-term answer if Hurts remains sidelined. He doesn’t have extensive NFL game experience, but his age and draft evaluation suggested significant upside. In Hurts’ absence, the coaching staff would rely on McKee to run the offense, evaluate his development, and determine whether he can contribute meaningfully in the near term or offer trade value if he performs well enough to generate interest from other teams seeking a quarterback.
Cole Payton
Payton is another in-house option who could be called upon to provide relief. Drafted in the 2026 class, Payton’s background and development path mirror a lower-profile plan that some teams employ to evaluate late-round signals for future depth. He could see development reps and occasional action if the situation demands it, though he would likely remain off the immediate radar for most fans until proven capable in real-game scenarios.
Joe Milton
Milton’s signing during Hurts’ injury news marked him as a long-shot option with potential athletic upside. As a quarterback with a strong arm, Milton could be positioned for limited action if the injury extensions require a stint on the field. His ceiling remains uncertain, but the organization could use him as a speculative investment for depth purposes and potential future growth.
In evaluating these options, several factors matter:
– Health timelines: The length of Hurts’ absence will determine whether a short-term band-aid solution suffices or a longer-term quarterback upgrade becomes necessary.
– Cap space and draft considerations: The team must assess the cost of acquisitions, including draft capital, contract implications, and long-term roster construction.
– System fit: Any external addition should align with the Eagles’ offensive system, coaching philosophy, and surrounding talent to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption.
– Development of the depth chart: Internal options like McKee, Payton, or Milton require careful development plans to ensure they can execute the playbook effectively while maintaining team morale.
Ultimately, the Eagles’ approach will hinge on how the organization weighs immediate chances of continued success versus long-term stability. If Hurts returns earlier than expected, a lighter external move with minimal draft costs could be the optimal path. If the timeline pushes deeper into the season, Philadelphia might lean more toward a strategic external acquisition or prioritize internal development to preserve future flexibility.
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts will watch closely how the team balances urgency and prudence while navigating an uncertain quarterback landscape. The internal options provide a foundation for potential growth, but external trades remain a possibility for a franchise seeking to maintain competitiveness during a challenging period.
