Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season with blood clots, forcing Philadelphia to reassess quarterback plans during a 2-4 start.
Tanner McKee struggled in Sunday’s 25-14 home loss to Carolina, and the offense lacked Hurts’ running threat with Saquon Barkley sidelined and the line weakened by injuries and offseason turnover.
Cole Payton tops the in-house alternatives after rushing for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final 2025 college season, while newly added Joe Milton III also gives the Eagles another mobile option.
Justin Fields leads the outside candidates because his dual-threat style best matches Hurts, with Jacoby Brissett, Jalen Milroe and Anthony Richardson also floated as possible trade targets.
Philadelphia’s search centers on restoring designed quarterback runs and stabilizing an offense that has dropped four straight games.