The city of Philadelphia Any time a quarterback enters the picture in Philadelphia, it is noteworthy.
The Eagles added Will Grier to what is quickly becoming a deep room for new position coach Doug Nussmeier.
Assumptions that the Carolina Panthers’ 2019 third-round pick will replace projected third-stringer and developing option Tanner McKee are unlikely to be realised.
Nonetheless, Grier is the Eagles’ second signal caller this month, following Kenny Pickett, who was acquired in a deal with Pittsburgh for backup starter Jalen Hurts.
Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2022 draft at No. 20 overall, was acquired by the Eagles after slipping from No. 98 overall in the third round of the April draft to No. 120 in the fourth round, along with a pair of 2025 seventh-round selections.
Prior to the agreement, there was some speculation that the strong-armed McKee could go from a 2023 sixth-round pick to Hurts’ backup in a single calendar year.
Those who understand the Eagles, on the other hand, recognise that GM Howie Roseman is still seeing Philadelphia as a serious contender, necessitating the acquisition of a backup quarterback with more experience.
Pickett started 24 games for the Steelers in his first two professional seasons, and Roseman and the Eagles’ scouting team liked the Pitt product when he was coming out, so he signed with Ocean Township. N.J. for two years as a low-cost backup, with McKee given additional time as a second-year developing option, made sense for the organisation.
Grier’s addition to the mix did not appear to be good news for McKee’s future, especially given that the West Virginia product already has a strong relationship with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Nussmeier.
Grier, 28, will be in his third stop as a Moore and Nussmeier student, and the three will be working together for at least part of the fourth year in a row. Grier began his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021-22, followed by a December spell with the Los Angeles Chargers, who signed him off the New England practice squad.
The consensus here, however, is that the Eagles remain very high on McKee’s ability, and Grier is far further along in what has become.
Moore and Nussmeier are said to believe in Grier’s football IQ and may be preparing him for his own coaching career. Having that type of learner in a situation where you’re attempting to teach three others about your personal offensive concepts is beneficial.
Practically speaking, having a player approaching 30 as a developmental No. 3 makes little sense.
Barring injuries, anticipate the Eagles’ starting 53 in September to be Hurts, Pickett, and McKee, with Grier on speed dial or a potential PS QB if the Eagles like how the room gels over the spring and summer.
