Eagles’ backup quarterback race remains unresolved as camp decision nears

The Philadelphia Eagles have not settled their backup quarterback situation, and the team is approaching the moment when decisions on depth-chart roles will have to be clarified. According to Pro Football Rumors, Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee have been competing for the No. 2 and No. 3 quarterback jobs throughout the offseason, but Philadelphia has not made a definitive determination on who will handle those responsibilities in 2026.

In a quote attributed to Nick Sirianni, the Eagles coach indicated that the hierarchy is still unsettled. Sirianni said, “Nothing’s decided there as far as who’s the two, who’s the three,” as reported by Pro Football Rumors via The Athletic’s Zach. The comment frames the backup situation as ongoing evaluation rather than a competition already concluded.

The practical impact of that uncertainty is tied to how an NFL team manages continuity and preparation during the season. While Jalen Hurts is the established starter, the backup quarterback role carries weight for daily game-plan work, readiness for any change in circumstances, and how quickly the offense can run if the starter is unavailable. When teams keep the roles fluid, it can report that both quarterbacks are still in the mix from a performance standpoint, at least in the coaching staff’s view.

For Dalton, the storyline is the familiarity he brings to the quarterback room as an experienced option who can understand an offense quickly and provide stability. For McKee, the argument typically centers on a younger quarterback developing in real time, showing how well he can translate the scheme and perform when more reps, second-team looks, and situational snaps come into play. In a competition that is still active, neither player is portrayed as a clear winner in the reporting.

The timing of Sirianni’s remarks matters because depth-chart clarity is often needed for how teams plan for preseason usage, practice reps, and week-to-week game management. Even when two quarterbacks are both active and prepared, coaches still must decide who is most likely to be the first call within the quarterback hierarchy. Pro Football Rumors’ framing suggests that Philadelphia has not yet finalized that pecking order.

What to watch next is whether the Eagles’ internal evaluation starts to translate into a more definitive public representation of the depth chart. In particular, look for indications that one quarterback is being treated as the primary backup option in practice rhythm and game-day planning as the season approaches.

Until Philadelphia makes a clearer declaration through its regular-season depth chart, the backup quarterback race will likely remain a background storyline that can become important quickly. In the NFL, small differences in readiness and role definition can loom large when game plans shift, so the Eagles’ final decision on the two and three spots is the next logical development in this situation.