Eagles Willing to Trade Tanner McKee for 1st-Round Pick, Patriots Reportedly in Talks?

The Philadelphia Eagles may be on the verge of turning a developmental gem into serious draft capital.

After a strong showing at OTAs, second-year quarterback Tanner McKee has reportedly drawn trade interest from quarterback-needy teams — and one name keeps surfacing: the New England Patriots.

According to multiple league sources, GM Howie Roseman is “open to exploring” a trade if the Eagles receive an offer that includes a first-round pick in return. That price tag might seem high, but McKee’s recent performances have elevated his value — and QB scarcity across the NFL only adds fuel to the fire.

McKee Impresses at OTAs — Again

Originally a 6th-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, McKee has consistently shown poise, pocket awareness, and a high football IQ in every opportunity he’s been given. At recent OTA sessions, beat reporters noted that McKee was decisive, accurate, and operating the second-team offense with veteran-like command.

"He looks like a guy ready to compete for more than just a QB3 role,” one Eagles insider said.

Behind Jalen Hurts and newly added Kenny Pickett, McKee’s path to playing time in Philly is limited. But in a system like New England’s — where Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton have yet to solidify the job — McKee could represent a low-cost, high-upside option.

Why a First-Round Pick?

The Eagles know value when they see it, and Howie Roseman has a history of flipping mid- or late-round players for premium capital. Think Gardner Minshew, Sam Bradford, or even Carson Wentz deals.

By setting the asking price at a 1st-rounder, the Eagles are doing two things:

1. Maximizing leverage: McKee doesn’t need to be moved. Philly can afford to keep him.

With no NFL contract guarantees tied to McKee and a rookie-scale salary in place, he’s an attractive asset for cap-conscious front offices like the Patriots.

What This Means for the QB Market

Around the league, several teams are quietly re-evaluating their QB depth as training camp nears. The Patriots, in particular, are navigating uncertainty after moving on from Mac Jones. Zappe hasn’t secured QB1, and there’s buzz that Bill Belichick’s exit hasn’t solved the offensive identity crisis.

If McKee continues to shine in preseason action, his trade value could spike even further — especially if an injury hits another team.

Looking to bet on McKee’s next team or odds to start Week 1 elsewhere? Best NFL betting apps are already setting up speculative lines for QB trades.

Fantasy, Fan Reaction, and Future Depth

In fantasy football sleepers 2025 discussions, McKee is now a name to watch in deep dynasty formats. A trade to a QB-hungry team could immediately bump him into the QB2/streaming-tier conversation.

As for Eagles fans — many don’t want to see McKee leave. But with Hurts entrenched as the franchise face and Pickett under team control, turning McKee into a first-round pick might be too smart for Roseman to pass up.

“If someone offers a Day 1 pick for your third-string QB, you take it. That's just good business,” said one NFC exec.

More to Read:

• NFL Contract Guarantees: How McKee's Rookie Deal Helps Trade Value