The 2025 NFL draft is almost here, meaning it won't be long before the league's trade scene picks up. Teams swapping draft picks and players is normal for this part of the offseason, especially this close to the draft, and the Philadelphia Eagles aren't strangers when it comes to pulling off a spring splash or two.
After all, it was during the pre-2024 draft lead-up when the Eagles acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett while trading away linebacker Haason Reddick in separate deals. General manager Howie Roseman proved he isn't afraid to pull the trigger if it means making his team better, and he now has another chance to make an offseason trade based on the latest NFC injury news.
Saints' Derek Carr Injury News Opens Door for Eagles QB Trade
Earlier this week, ESPN's Katherine Terrell and NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr's 2025 season could be in "jeopardy." A shoulder injury has Saints management and coaches wondering if the veteran signal-caller will be healthy enough to play at all next season, leaving the team looking for a new option under center.
A major QB-related injury is never good, but the Saints' situation is worse than more. The 2025 campaign will be head coach Kellen Moore's first in New Orleans, and being without a Carr for any chunk of the year will throw a big wrench into the former Eagles offensive coordinator's plans.
Having said that, Moore's connection to his former team could lead to a trade that helps make his life easier.
It wouldn't be surprising if Carr's situation led to the Saints calling the Eagles about backup QB Tanner McKee. The former Stanford Cardinal was drafted 188th by Philadelphia in 2023 and spent last year working alongside Moore before the latter was hired by New Orleans shortly after Super Bowl 59.
Even if McKee doesn't have Carr's experience, he'd help take the pressure off the rest of the Saints' QB room. The Irvine, CA native made his first NFL start last season against the New York Giants in Week 18, leading the Eagles to a 20-13 win as he went 27-of-41 (65.9%) in the pocket for 269 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 100.6 passer rating.
He also completed three passes for 54 yards and a pair of scores in relief during Week 17's 41-7 stomping of the Dallas Cowboys, giving him 323 yards, four TDs, and a 117.2 passer rating on the year.
Although that's a small sample size, it still paints McKee as being more promising than the Saints' other QB options. Backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener both looked awful filling in for Carr last season, while Ben DiNucci only has one career start under his belt despite being drafted in 2020.
As well-liked as he is, the Eagles don't need to keep McKee after acquiring Dorian Thompson-Robinson from the Cleveland Browns in March.
As for a potential return, McKee's status as a former sixth-rounder likely means the Eagles would land a Day 3 pick in return — similar to what the Dallas Cowboys paid to acquire Joe Milton from the New England Patriots earlier this month. Considering how the Saints have five late-round picks, including two in the fourth round (No. 112, 131), the ammunition is there to strike a deal.
With just over a week to go before the draft, the Eagles must capitalize on the Saints' quarterback needs before it's too late. Otherwise, another QB-rich team could swoop in and steal away another perfect trade partner for Roseman & Co.
