The Philadelphia Eagles avoided making a final decision in their crowded quarterback room by keeping all four players on their initial 53-man roster.
Philadelphia retained Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee and rookie Cole Payton.The unexpected decision allows the Eagles to preserve their depth while keeping their options open after Dalton and McKee spent the summer competing for the backup job.
Hurts remains firmly established as the starter. The uncertainty begins behind him.
Philadelphia acquired Dalton from the Carolina Panthers during the offseason to provide an experienced option behind Hurts. McKee is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has demonstrated, in limited regular-season opportunities, that he can operate the offense
effectively.
Payton, a fifth-round pick from North Dakota State, was the player Philadelphia could least afford to expose to waivers. Cutting him would have allowed any team to claim the developmental quarterback before the Eagles could bring him back on the practice squad.
Keeping four quarterbacks prevents Philadelphia from losing Payton without compensation and gives the front office additional time to evaluate potential trade opportunities involving McKee or Dalton.
The decision comes with a cost. Every additional quarterback occupies a roster position that could have been used on the offensive line, secondary or defensive front.
The initial 53-man roster is rarely permanent, however. Philadelphia can continue exploring trades and waiver claims as teams adjust their rosters before Week 1.
For now, the Eagles have chosen depth and flexibility instead of forcing a decision between their backup quarterbacks.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles keep four quarterbacks on initial 53-man roster
