Eagles 2026 Position Report Cards: Quarterback

This is Part 1 of a 10-part series grading every Philadelphia Eagles position group heading into the 2026 season. We start where every evaluation should: under center.

The Eagles' quarterback situation entering 2026 is simultaneously one of the most stable and most scrutinized in the NFL. Jalen Hurts is the franchise. That much is settled. But the room behind him has undergone significant change this offseason, and the depth chart tells a story about where Philadelphia's priorities really lie.

Jalen Hurts: The Unquestioned Franchise

There is no quarterback controversy in Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts proved that emphatically in 2025 with one of the most complete seasons of his career. His command of the offense under the new coordinator was a revelation — more decisive in the pocket, sharper on timing routes, and still the most dangerous rushing quarterback in the game when he needed to be.

Hurts' ability to elevate in big moments has become his calling card. The playoff performances silenced the remaining doubters — at least the reasonable ones. His connection with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith continues to be one of the most lethal receiver duos in football, and he's learned when to check down to Saquon Barkley rather than forcing a big play.

The contract remains massive — Hurts' cap hit is among the highest in the league — but production has matched the price tag. When you're paying a quarterback top dollar, you need top-five play. Hurts has delivered that, and the Eagles' offensive identity flows through his unique skill set.

Behind Hurts: The Depth Chart Shift

Here's where the picture gets more complicated. Sam Howell is gone — signed with the Cowboys in free agency, a move that raised some eyebrows in Philly. Howell was a capable backup who knew the system, and losing him to a division rival stings even if it was purely a business decision.

That leaves Tanner McKee as the primary backup, and this is where the Eagles need to be honest with themselves. McKee flashed in preseason action and has the physical tools — the arm talent, the size, the pocket awareness — but he's still largely unproven in meaningful regular season minutes. If Hurts goes down for any stretch, the margin for error shrinks dramatically.

The Eagles may address the QB3 spot through the draft or undrafted free agency, but the expectation is clear: Hurts plays 17 games. The entire roster construction is built on that assumption. Whether that's a strength or a vulnerability depends on your perspective.

The Sean Mannion Factor

Any quarterback evaluation in 2026 has to account for the coaching change. Sean Mannion took over as offensive coordinator after the Eagles moved on from the previous staff, and his influence on Hurts' development cannot be overlooked. The early returns suggest a scheme that plays to Hurts' strengths — more play-action concepts, a simplified pre-snap read system, and a willingness to let Hurts improvise when the pocket breaks down.

Mannion's background as a former quarterback gives him credibility in the room. The relationship between an OC and his starting quarterback is the most important dynamic on any roster, and all indications point to Hurts and Mannion being firmly on the same page heading into Year 1 together.

The Grade: A-

The starting position is an A+. There might be five quarterbacks in the NFL you'd take over Hurts on a given Sunday, and even that list is debatable. The man has proven he can carry a team deep into January and beyond.

The depth is what keeps this from a straight A. Losing Howell to Dallas without adding a proven veteran backup is a calculated risk. McKee could be the answer, but he hasn't been tested under fire yet. If Hurts misses even two games, the Eagles' Super Bowl window could slam shut in a hurry.

The new OC pairing adds intrigue and upside. If Mannion can unlock another gear in Hurts — particularly in the intermediate passing game where he's historically been inconsistent — this grade goes up. The ceiling is a top-three quarterback season. The floor, assuming health, is still top-ten.

What to Watch This Offseason

Keep an eye on the draft. The Eagles hold a late first-round pick, and while quarterback isn't a need, the team may look at a developmental arm in the middle rounds if the value is there. Howie Roseman has never been afraid to stockpile assets at premium positions, and adding a young quarterback to sit behind Hurts and compete with McKee would be smart roster building.

The bigger storyline is Hurts' continued evolution. At 27, he's entering what should be his prime years. The weapons around him are elite. The offensive line remains among the best in football. The defense can win games on its own. Everything is built for Hurts to take the next step — and this quarterback room's grade in September could look very different from the one we're giving today.

Next up in the series: Running Back. With Saquon Barkley leading the charge and a retooled backfield behind him, there's plenty to unpack.