If you’re asking who is the QB for Eagles right now, the short answer is Jalen Hurts. But honestly, if you follow the Birds, you know it’s never just a "short answer" in Philadelphia. This city treats the quarterback position like a supreme court appointment.
Jalen Hurts is the guy. He’s the $255 million man, the dual-threat force who just wrapped up a 2025 season that felt like a fever dream for most of the NFL.
✨ Don't miss: Celtic FC vs RB Leipzig: What Most People Get Wrong
People love to debate him. Some say he’s a product of a great system or a dominant offensive line. Others see him as the most resilient leader the franchise has had since Donovan McNabb. But regardless of the talk radio chatter, Hurts is firmly entrenched as the starter as the team transitions into the 2026 offseason.
The State of the QB Room in 2026
It’s January 2026. The Eagles just saw their season end in a frustrating Wild Card loss to the 49ers. Despite that early exit, Hurts put up numbers that would make most franchise legends blush. We're talking 25 passing touchdowns against only 6 interceptions.
Efficiency? Yeah, he had it.
But the real story right now isn't just who is the QB for Eagles—it’s who is calling the plays for him. The team just moved on from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. That marks the fifth different play-caller Hurts has had in as many years. Think about that for a second. Most quarterbacks would crumble under that kind of turnover. Hurts just keeps grinding.
Behind him on the depth chart, things are actually getting interesting. You’ve got Tanner McKee as the primary backup. The 6-foot-6 Stanford product has become a bit of a cult hero in Philly. He’s the "Quarterback Factory" success story of the moment. In fact, there’s a ton of buzz that the Eagles might flip him for a mid-round draft pick this spring because his stock is so high after filling in for Hurts during late-season stretches.
Then there’s Sam Howell. He’s the QB3, essentially the insurance policy for the insurance policy. It's a deep room. Howie Roseman, the Eagles' GM, doesn't play games when it comes to depth.
Why Jalen Hurts Is Different
Most fans see the "Tush Push" (or Brotherly Shove, whatever you want to call it) and think that defines him. It doesn't.
What really defines Jalen Hurts is the way he’s evolved his passing game. In 2024, he led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and walked away with the MVP trophy. He threw for nearly 300 yards in that game. He ran for three touchdowns. He essentially broke the mold of what a "running quarterback" is supposed to be.
By the time the 2025 season rolled around, he was playing with a level of poise that made the chaotic 2023 collapse feel like a lifetime ago.
- Passing Precision: His completion percentage has hovered around 65-68% for the last two seasons.
- Ball Security: He’s drastically cut down on the "hero ball" turnovers that plagued him early in his career.
- Leadership: He’s the undisputed voice of that locker room, even when veterans like Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox moved on.
It’s weird to think people were once worried about his arm strength. Now, he’s launching deep balls to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith like it’s a Madden game on rookie mode.
👉 See also: Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy: Why This Rivalry Still Matters
The Backup Situation: The Tanner McKee Factor
We need to talk about Tanner McKee. If you aren't an Eagles die-hard, you might not realize how much this kid has improved.
He made his debut back in 2024 against the Cowboys and looked... surprisingly good? Then in the 2025 season finale against the Commanders, he had to step in again. Even though they lost that specific game, the way he operates the pocket is night and day compared to the mobile style of Hurts.
Philly fans love a backup QB. It's in the DNA. Remember Nick Foles? Jeff Garcia? Kevin Kolb?
The "who is the QB for Eagles" question usually gets answered with Hurts, but if McKee stays on the roster through 2026, he’s arguably the most valuable backup in the NFC. There are already rumors linking him to the Dolphins or Jets for a trade. If Howie Roseman can turn a 6th-round pick into a 3rd-round pick, he’ll do it in a heartbeat.
Looking Ahead to 2026
So, what’s next?
The Eagles are currently hunting for a new offensive coordinator. This is the biggest hurdle for Hurts. He needs stability. He needs a coach who isn't just going to use him as a runner but will continue to build on the passing nuances he showed in 2025.
The roster is still loaded. Saquon Barkley is still back there taking the pressure off. The offensive line, led by Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson, remains one of the best in football.
If you're wondering if the Eagles will draft a QB in 2026, the answer is a hard no. They might take a flyer on a late-round developmental guy, but this is Jalen’s team. He’s 27 years old. He’s in his prime. He’s already a Super Bowl champion and an MVP.
Quick Stats Recap (2025 Season)
- Passing Yards: 3,224
- Touchdowns: 25 passing, 10+ rushing (a record 4th straight year with double-digit rushing TDs)
- Interceptions: 6
- Record: 11-6
The debate isn't about who the quarterback is—it's about how high his ceiling actually goes. Is he the best in the league? He's definitely in the top three conversation with Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Eagles' QB situation as the 2026 season approaches, here is what you should actually be watching:
✨ Don't miss: Why Albion Ridges Golf Course MN is Still a Hidden Gem Worth the Drive
- Monitor the OC Hire: Keep an eye on who Nick Sirianni hires as the new offensive coordinator. If it's a "big name" with a pass-heavy background, expect Hurts' passing attempts to skyrocket.
- Trade Block News: Watch the news surrounding Tanner McKee. If he’s traded before the draft in April, the Eagles will definitely be looking for a veteran backup in free agency.
- Injury Reports: Hurts has been durable, but his physical playstyle always carries risk. Following the beat reporters (like Zach Berman or Dave Zangaro) is the only way to get the real story on his health during the spring.
The bottom line is simple: Jalen Hurts is the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he isn't going anywhere.