Eagles Roster Analysis: Tanner McKee, Joe Milton, and Jaelan Phillips
It’s unclear whether Jalen Hurts will ever play another down this season for the Eagles after a superficial blood clot was identified during the Eagles’ trip to London—then followed by further testing upon his return to Philadelphia.
Joe Milton
Turning to the Eagles’ other options in the quarterback room in a game that is as close to a must-win against the Carolina Panthers as any in recent memory — isn’t as straightforward a line of succession as you might think. Andy Dalton’s hapless interception in the back of the endzone against Chicago, while Jalen Hurts was screaming in the Medical Tent to get back into the game, may have sealed Dalton’s release in Philadelphia, or at least brought something to light. The Eagles need a group of young quarterbacks ready to step in as backups when needed, not only veterans at the position.
And McKee may not be on display for a future with Philadelphia, but rather to entice a trade offer, just as the Eagles did with Center Cam Jurgens.
Meanwhile, another dual-threat quarterback landed in Philadelphia this week from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad: Joe Milton. The Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He played college at Michigan and then transferred to the University of Tennessee. He joined the Cowboys in 2025.
It’s unclear whether edge rusher Jaelan Phillips will play tomorrow. Equally unclear is why the Eagles let Phillips walk away after last season.
Jaelan Phillips
Last season, perhaps the biggest splash before the deadline was adding former Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips. In Phillips, the Eagles also get another former first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins, paired with recently unretired Brandon Graham, in exchange for a 2026 third-round Draft Pick.
Surrendering a third-round pick in today’s NFL is no doubt a steep price, but acquiring Phillips before the deadline deepens one of the Eagles’ thinnest positions. The Eagles began the season with five Edge Rushers on the roster. But injuries to Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith, Ogbo Okonkwo, and Moro Ojomo—coupled with the sudden retirement of Za’Darius Smith—forced the Eagles to make a move and bring back Graham.
If Joe Milton stayed two more seasons with the Wolverines, he may well have been a National Champion.
If Jaelan Phillips remained in Philadelphia for the 2026 season, the line would be bolstered.
If Hurts can return to his accustomed form in the Eagles offense—well—who knows where the team could go?
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