The 2025 NFL draft is approaching, which means the trade activity around the league will soon intensify. It’s common for teams to trade draft picks and players during this time of year, especially so close to the draft, and the Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to making big moves in the offseason.
In fact, during the lead-up to the 2024 draft, the Eagles traded linebacker Haason Reddick for quarterback Kenny Pickett in separate deals. General manager Howie Roseman has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves to improve his team, and with the latest injury updates in the NFC, he now has another opportunity to make a significant offseason trade.
Saints’ Derek Carr Injury News Opens Door for Eagles QB Trade
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Katherine Terrell and NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season might be in “jeopardy.” A shoulder injury has raised concerns among the Saints’ management and coaching staff about whether the veteran QB will be healthy enough to play next season, prompting the team to look for a new quarterback.
The Saints are set to begin their offseason program in just three days, adding urgency to the situation. This development could significantly impact head coach Kellen Moore’s plans, especially since 2025 will be his first year in New Orleans. Losing Carr for any period would complicate Moore’s strategy.
However, Moore’s previous connection with his former team could lead to a trade that helps resolve the situation. It’s possible the Saints could reach out to the Philadelphia Eagles about backup QB Tanner McKee. McKee, drafted 188th overall in 2023, spent last year working with Moore before he took the job with the Saints.
While McKee lacks Carr’s experience, he could help stabilize the Saints’ QB room. The 23-year-old made a strong impression in limited action last season, starting in Week 18 against the New York Giants and leading the Eagles to a 20-13 win with 269 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 100.6 passer rating. He also played well in relief during a Week 17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, finishing the season with 323 yards, four touchdowns, and a 117.2 passer rating.
Given McKee’s promising performances, he seems a better option than the Saints’ other quarterbacks. Backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener struggled in relief of Carr last season, and Ben DiNucci has only one career start, despite being drafted in 2020.
With the Eagles recently acquiring Dorian Thompson-Robinson from the Cleveland Browns in March, McKee’s place on the roster is no longer as secure. The Eagles could potentially trade McKee, and with his status as a sixth-round pick, they might expect a Day 3 pick in return. The Saints have several late-round picks, including two in the fourth round (No. 112, 131), which gives them the leverage to strike a deal.
With just over a week before the draft, the Eagles should consider capitalizing on the Saints’ quarterback situation before another team swoops in and snags McKee, leaving the Eagles without a trade partner.
