Marcus Mariota

Taking a closer look at Eagles' backup QB battle in 2026 training camp

Taking a closer look at Eagles' backup QB battle in 2026 training camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia We’re getting close to Eagles training camp so we’re taking a look at five notable camp competitions this summer. We already took a look at safety , receiver , offensive line and edge rusher . Up today: Backup QB. No matter what you think about Jalen Hurts or where you would rank him on the dozens of QB lists that come out, he’s clearly the Eagles’ franchise quarterback. He’s a Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl MVP and the unquestioned leader of the 2026 Eagles. But it’s a little tougher to figure out the backup spot in 2026. Because while Tanner McKee is returning for his fourth season after being the primary backup in 2025, the Eagles also added veteran Andy Dalton in a trade in March. During the spring, those two were splitting reps working with the No. 2 offense. So this looks like a competition. Let’s get into it: Tanner McKee Age: 26 Experience: Year 4 Size: 6-foot-6, 231 The Eagles always want to invest in the quarterback position and they did that in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, selecting McKee with the No. 188 overall pick out of Stanford. Getting a trustworthy backup QB in the sixth round is seen by the organization as a clear-cut win. McKee was the third-stringer in 2023 and 2024 behind Marcus Mariota and Kenny Pickett but became the backup in 2025. McKee’s only start in 2024 went well but his Week 18 performance last year wasn’t very good. Working with the backups against the Commanders in January, McKee completed just 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards with a touchdown and an interception. That performance might have hurt his trade value. But the Eagles have seen him up close for three years now so they have a good idea of what McKee can do. They went into a season after a Super Bowl with him as a backup, so the Birds clearly trust McKee. Andy Dalton Age: 38 Experience: Year 16 Size: 6-foot-2, 220 pounds So if they trust McKee, why did the Eagles trade for Dalton? Fair question. Part of it was probably value. The Eagles gave up just a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Panthers to get Dalton in March. While he’s past his prime, Dalton has started 169 games in his career and has the type of experience that teams often like in a backup quarterback. Like we mentioned with McKee, a huge element for backups is the trust factor. The coaches can trust a guy like Dalton. Even though he hasn’t been a full-time starter for several years, Dalton spent the last three as a backup in Carolina. Cole Payton Age: 23 Experience: Rookie Size: 6-foot-2, 232 pounds We don’t expect the rookie fifth-round pick to compete for the backup job in 2026, but Payton is an intriguing prospect because of his dual-threat ability. Last season with North Dakota State, Payton threw for 2,719 yards and ran for another 777 with 13 touchdowns. That has some folks wondering if the Eagles might be able to find a non-QB role for Payton as a rookie. Yes, he’s one of the many players who has gotten the Taysom Hill comp over the last several years. Payton will have to prove himself before that happens and he’ll have to show that he can also help on special teams. But as long as he looks solid in training camp, the Eagles are probably going to keep him on the 53-man roster, which could mean keeping four QBs. Outlook That becomes the next big question. Would the Eagles really keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster? Roster spots are precious, so that’s not an ideal way to build. But the Eagles value the position and have said publicly they would keep four. Perhaps a team comes calling with an offer for McKee or Dalton. That seems possible and with a surplus at the position, the Eagles could decide to be opportunistic this summer. Until then, this is looking like a competition. But there’s a chance the battle is decided when Howie Roseman makes a trade

Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa? The answers matters now and in the future

The Atlanta Falcons have had a quarterback problem for years, a statement blindingly obvious to anyone who has been an Atlanta Falcons fan over the past few seasons. Since 2022, when the Falcons hastily traded Matt Ryan to Indianapolis in the wake of a failed effort to trade for Deshaun Watson , they’ve started Marcus Mariota , Desmond Ridder , Taylor Heinicke , Kirk Cousins , and Michael Penix Jr.; that’s more than one starter per season. In fact, they’ve had two different quarterbacks starting for the team in each of those four years, and they have not had one true franchise guy at any point in that span. Penix could still be that player, but it’s hardly a given. We enter 2026 with Penix recovering from ACL surgery, one of many such surgeries in his college and now NFL career, and with very little on-field to suggest he’s a potentially elite quarterback. He’s competing with Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off a dismal season with the Dolphins where he was benched, and has dealt with scary concussions throughout his career. The only guys behind them are big-armed undrafted free agent Jack Strand and journeyman backup Trevor Siemien, so there’s very little chance of a Cinderella story if Tua and Penix don’t pan out. That makes the quarterback battle crucial on two fronts. It’s obviously important for this year, because the better player needs to have the reins of an offense richly veined with playmakers to help these Falcons shake off eight straight losing seasons and recapture hope and competence. But it’s also important for next year, because any outcome outside of Penix seizing this job and excelling will likely have the Falcons looking to draft, sign, or trade for a potential franchise option. The Falcons don’t want to continue to squander their talent. Bijan Robinson was the league’s most productive running back last year, leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage, but was stuck on a team that had a frequently anemic passing attack and blew far too many games. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are game-changing talents who have dealt with streaky, inconsistent passers throughout their careers. Jahan Dotson , Zachariah Branch, and Austin Hooper offer real talent—and in the case of Branch, really intriguing potential—but could see their production blunted if the quarterback position isn’t effectively settled. A great quarterback would have a passing attack with this many weapons humming. A good quarterback would have it looking capable, at minimum. As we’ve seen over the years, promising but inconsistent quarterbacks and shaky ones alike have conspired to make it look elite for shining moments and disappointing for long stretches. The Falcons badly need to figure out whether Tua or Penix is the right fit for these weapons and this passing attack. At his best, Tua can deliver timely, very accurate passes in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, a skill set that plays well with the YAC capabilities of Bijan, Brian Robinson , London, and Branch, as well as Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees’ screen designs. Penix has been more inconsistent across the board in his brief career, but his ability to attack defenses deep opens up potentially devastating big plays for London, Pitts, and Dotson. There are significant stylistic differences here that might come into play if this ends up being a very close battle, but the likelier outcome is simply that one of these quarterbacks is more healthy and effective this summer and wins the battle outright well before preseason wraps. At the moment, my money would be on Tua, who had a head start as the healthy player earlier this summer and should be able to reliably pepper his supporting cast with short-to-intermediate passes the way Kirk Cousins did at his best last year. Whoever wins, however, will need to be good enough to at least partially unlock this passing game’s significant potential, lest their backup catapult past them midseason. Let’s say Tua grabs the starting job and lands som [... truncated ...]

Terry McLaurin a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Entering 2026

After a high-profile contract disagreement that led to him missing most of last summer, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had his 2025 season derailed by quad and core injuries that caused him to miss seven games. The veteran wideout remained a productive player when healthy, recording 38 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets across 10 games. McLaurin also has a long track record of being one of the most durable pass-catchers in the NFL, playing in 17 games in four consecutive seasons leading into 2025. McLaurin is now entering his age-31 campaign, which leads to some obvious concerns about age-related regression. However, he should have the benefit of a fully healthy offseason leading into 2026. McLaurin also profiles as the obvious number one option in the Commanders' passing game, and he'll have a chance to renew his chemistry with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels after the two shared the field for just three games last season. As the WR24 by current redraft ADP, McLaurin could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers

Treylon Burks an Intriguing Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of 2026

A first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022, current Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks was never able to live up to his draft-day pedigree in Tennessee. However, the 26-year-old could have a second chance to establish an NFL career in Washington. After latching on with the Commanders midway through the 2025 season, Burks recorded 10 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets across eight games (three starts). While Burks' numbers do not leap off the page, Washington does not currently have an obvious WR2 behind star wideout Terry McLaurin. Health has been one of the main reasons why Burks has struggled as a pro, as he's missed 33 games across four seasons due to toe, knee, concussion, and collarbone issues. If he can stay on the field in 2026, Burks could establish a role in Washington going forward. Dynasty managers in deeper league formats may be wise to take a low-cost flyer on Burks

Dallas Cowboys 2026 Opponent Preview: Washington Commanders

Continuing our previews of the Dallas Cowboys 2026 opponents, it is time to wrap up the NFC East with the Washington Commanders. Most recently, we looked at the very new-look New York Giants , who the Cowboys will see in week one, and it won’t be long after that until the Cowboys play the Commanders, hosting them in week two. The Cowboys swept the Commanders for the second time in three seasons last year, pulling away in the second half of a week seven home win, and winning at Washington on Christmas Day. Both games were marked by the familiar theme of the Commanders having availability issues at quarterback. Jayden Daniels was knocked out of the 44-22 runaway Cowboys win in Arlington, replaced by Marcus Mariota . Daniels only appeared in two more games the rest of the season after this week seven loss, and one of them was not on Christmas against the Cowboys, as that game was started by journeyman Josh Johnson . Going into year three of Dan Quinn as head coach, the Commanders are facing a bit of an identity crisis, falling from 12-5 and an appearance in the NFC Championship game in Daniels’ rookie season to 5-12 battling through his injuries last season, only one game ahead of the last place Giants. Like the Cowboys, the Commanders have done well to maintain a high amount of continuity on offense, but for the first time in Quinn’s tenure in Washington he will not have Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator, and questions persist about their ability to protect Daniels to make any of this matter anyway. On defense, the Commanders have made a lot of changes to lean even further into the style that Quinn wants to play, and even done some things that Cowboys fans familiar with this defense would certainly call uncharacteristic, most notably drafting an 0ff-ball linebacker in the top ten with Sonny Styles . Week two is early enough to expect the Cowboys to see Jayden Daniels, and if this Commanders defense gets up to speed quickly as well, this game could easily prove to be a second straight close NFC East battle that will go a long way in shaping up the final division standings at the end of the year. Let’s take a closer look at everything the Commanders did this offseason so far. * SIGNED IN FREE AGENCY OT Laremy Tunsil (Re-signed) G Chris Paul (Re-signed) QB Marcus Mariota (Re-signed) WR Treylon Burks (Re-signed) DE Odafe Oweh CB Ahkello Witherspoon DT Tim Settle LB Leo Chenal CB Rasul Douglas DE K’Lavon Chaisson SAF Nick Cross DE Charles Omenihu RB Rachaad White WR Van Jefferson * DEPARTED IN FREE AGENCY C Tyler Biadasz CB Jonathan Jones QB John Johnson CB Noah Igbinoghene Perhaps one of the unexpected things that rubbed off on Dan Quinn during his time with the Cowboys is how to prioritize re-signing internal free agents, as this list shows key re-signings they’ll be relying on in the trenches to protect their most valuable player at QB. On the departure side, it is interesting to see two former Cowboys in Biadasz and Igbinoghene leave the team, as well as Jonathan Jones leaving the Commanders for the rival Eagles. The area the Commanders did the most work with external free agents is the defensive line. Settle, Chaisson, Omenihu, and Oweh give this team a new pass rush look up front, joining mainstays in Javon Kinlaw , Daron Payne , and former Cowboy Dorance Armstrong who is still with the Commanders. Gone are the days of the Commanders stockpiling Alabama-bred defensive linemen, particularly interior tackles, and having lines that were good at holding the line of scrimmage, but lacked in juice. Quinn is looking to rebuild an aggressive, penetrating defense starting with the front, and has some big new names in the secondary to tie this defense together as well. Ahkello Witherspoon coming over from the Rams is the headline here along with Rasul Douglas, as well as Nick Cross at safety. The Commanders allowed just two less passing touchdowns than the awful Matt Eberflus led Cowboys defense last sea [... truncated ...]

Car’lin Vigers, Jacoby Jones among those in Commanders returning UDFA spotlight

The majority of undrafted free agent profiles end with a common refrain. “ His most likely landing spot is the practice squad, where he can develop and compete for a roster spot next year.” For the players discussed in this article, 2026 is their “next year.” Historically, 28% of UDFAs make the same team’s Week 1 practice squad. The number has increased to over 32% since the inception of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which changed the practice squad rules. Undrafted free agents are now being offered larger guarantees to sign with teams, and landing them has become a major part of the post-draft process. Many of them are also now being elevated on a per-game basis to provide depth during the season, which was the case for some of the players that will be highlighted in this article. It is rare for players to get a third year on the practice squad, so for most of these UDFAs, this is their last chance to carve out a roster spot. Let’s take a look at which undrafted free agents are returning for a second season with the team. Jacoby Jones is not particularly fast, recording a 4.68 40-yard dash . He is on the larger side, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, according to the team website. Most fans didn’t have him making the practice squad heading into last year’s training camp, but the former UCF wide receiver surprised by not only making the practice squad but also being signed to the active roster in Week 11 when the Commanders faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. He recorded his lone NFL reception on a 25-yard catch-and-run from Marcus Mariota with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter of that game. Upon his return to the United States, the Commanders promptly released him to make room for Jake Moody and re-signed him to the practice squad. The coaching staff clearly likes him, as Washington signed him to a reserve/futures contract at the end of the season. This spring, Jones surprised again by holding on to his roster spot over media darling Ja’Corey Brooks. The wide receiver once again enters training camp as a long shot to make the practice squad. Undrafted rookies Jaden Bradley and Chris Hilton Jr. both profile as better options, but at this point fans need to have a modicum of respect for Jones’ ability to survive on the fringe of an NFL roster. An intriguing prospect from last year, Robert McDaniel profiles as yet another hybrid linebacker/safety to play in the box. A plus tackler, McDaniel was given a chance to showcase his skills in last year’s Week 2 preseason game. Robert finished the game with 5 (1 solo, 4 assisted) tackles and nearly snagged an interception, which would have resulted in a pass defended. However, a penalty negated the play. McDaniel recorded a couple more tackles in the final game of preseason but, frustratingly, was never elevated during the second half of a lost season. Strong in run support with great versatility, McDaniel is a fit in new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ scheme. He could develop into a backup safety if given time, but McDaniel should point himself at Tyler Owens ’ special teams spot if he wants to make the team this season. My favorite undrafted free agent prospect from last season, Ricky Barber delivered on his potential in Week 17 versus the Cowboys; on 15 snaps he recorded 2 tackles, 3 assists, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit. That equates to making a play on the ball on 46.7% of defensive snaps when he was on the field. He also pressured the QB on 25% of drop backs. Barber was relatively quiet the final week of the season, but had shown enough to be signed to a reserve/futures contract in January. Heading into his sophomore season, Barber faces an uncertain future. One of Dan Quinn’s prototypical smaller, quicker linemen, Barber is a questionable fit in Jones’ proposed scheme. Perhaps they will find a spot for him, but the best case for both sides may be a strong preseason showing followed by a trade for a seventh-rounder or pick swa [... truncated ...]

Waiver: Marcus Mariota added, Konata Mumpfield dropped

Adds: Marcus Mariota. Drops: Konata Mumpfield

Treylon Burks Ready to Start Fulfilling First-Round Potential?

Wide receiver Treylon Burks never could live up to his first-round potential when the Tennessee Titans took him 18th overall in 2022 out of the University of Arkansas, as he caught 53 of 92 targets for 699 yards and only one touchdown in 27 games (17 starts) in his first three years in the league. The Titans eventually released the 26-year-old, and the Washington Commanders took a flier on him as they searched for WR depth behind Terry McLaurin. Burks had only 10 catches for 130 yards and one touchdown on 22 targets in eight games (three starts) in his first year in D.C. in 2025, but there were flashes of why he was considered a first-round target. Deebo Samuel Sr. won't be back in free agency, and the Commanders are still searching for depth behind McLaurin. Might Burks be that guy? NFL.com's Nick Shook suggests that a full offseason of stability could serve Burks well as he heads into Year 2 in Washington. If the Commanders don't add a big name at WR before the start of the 2026 season, Burks might be the best bet to emerge as the WR2 behind McLaurin

Trade: Jayden Daniels, Blake Corum, Luther Burden +2 more

Chicago/MSU League trade — kculbertson received: Blake Corum, Ja'Marr Chase, and 2028 2nd round pick (orig Team play-in). Picks and Gibbles received: Jayden Daniels, Luther Burden, and Marcus Mariota

Waiver: Marcus Mariota added

Adds: Marcus Mariota

Jerome Ford Faces a Camp Battle to Maintain Dynasty Relevance

Jerome Ford faces a camp battle to maintain his dynasty relevance after signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders

Trade: Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers +4 more

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Practice This Week

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed), who missed voluntary organized team activities due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, returned to practice on Tuesday, according to John Keim of ESPN. While Croskey-Merritt has the clearest path to the RB1 role in Washington in 2026 in his second year in the NFL, head coach Dan Quinn has mentioned that the former seventh-rounder out of the University of Arizona needs to show what he can do in pass protection, among other areas. The 25-year-old could also stand to improve his ball security going into Year 2 as he looks to hold off Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols. Croskey-Merritt averaged 4.6 yards per carry for a team-high 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 2025 in his rookie campaign, but he barely contributed as a pass-catcher with only nine receptions for 68 yards in 17 games (seven starts). Bill's role as the clear lead back in D.C. isn't solidified yet, but he's the best fantasy target in the Commanders' backfield in 2026 as an RB3/flex with upside, primarily in standard-scoring formats

Jacory Croskey-Merritt expected to practice during minicamp

by Ari Koslow | Commanders Correspondent | Wed, Jun 17th 2:33am EDT Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to practice during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. ( Josh Taylor on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: Croskey-Merritt was sidelined to end voluntary OTAs. He figures to be part of a committee in the Commanders backfield heading into this season. Sounds like Bill Croskey-Merritt will be practicing at mandatory minicamp today. Wasn’t listed on DQ’s players that are out (which included Trey Amos). Gotta see how much work Bill gets the next 3 days. #Commanders Category: Injury Updates | More Jacory Croskey-Merritt : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has Best Shot to Become Commanders Lead Back?

Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has missed some offseason work due to a soft-tissue injury, has the best chance to become the team's lead back in 2026, according to Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Croskey-Merritt, also known as Bill, has "quickness on the outside and has enough burst to run through creases at the line of scrimmage." The 25-year-old rushed for 805 yards in 2025, third in his draft class, and added eight touchdowns on 175 carries over 17 games (seven starts). JCM must still improve in pass protection, but he showed plenty of patience and decisiveness as a ball-carrier despite not being taken until the seventh round in the 2025 NFL draft. Croskey-Merritt was used sparingly as a pass-catcher as a rookie, hauling in nine passes on just 13 targets for 68 yards. Newcomer Rachaad White will most likely operate as Washington's primary pass-catching back, with Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols providing veteran depth. Ball security was another issue for JCM as a rookie, and if those issues resurface in Year 2, he could quickly lose touches to White, Ford, and McNichols. Fantasy managers should consider Croskey-Merritt as an RB3/4 with upside if he proves himself more in passing situations

FA: Marcus Mariota dropped

Drops: Marcus Mariota

2026 Season Outlook

Mariota saw far more action than Washington expected in 2025, appearing in 11 games and making eight starts while filling in for an injury-plagued Jayden Daniels during the latter's second season. The 32-year-old handled the role admirably, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league's more dependable backups by completing 61.2 percent of his passes for 1,695 yards and a 10:7 TD:INT, while adding 297 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries. Washington hopes Daniels can stay healthy for the bulk of the 2026 campaign, but Mariota has proven capable of stepping in and keeping the offense functional whenever needed

Trade: Marcus Mariota ↔ Deshaun Watson

Saint Loveland Luther-an received: Marcus Mariota. The Bloodline received: Deshaun Watson

Why Matthew Stafford is primed for another great year

I would normally sit here and tell you that a quarterback winning his first MVP and putting together his best individual season at age 37 is not a predictive indicator of what is to come. Smart bets would usually lean towards a return to normalcy and career baselines. I’m known for finding the contrarian angle and embracing it in full. Today I’m embracing the consensus and building the case for why Matthew Stafford’s best season yet was real and potentially predictive for his performance in 2026. One contrarian opinion is that Stafford won the MVP by default. That Patrick Mahomes , Joe Burrow , Brock Purdy , and others usually in the conversation spent too much time on the sidelines to create an opening for a player who had never seriously been in consideration. But Stafford was the NFL’s best signal caller last season with no qualifications. Stafford received Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s highest offensive and passing grades out of any quarterback who stepped on the field in 2025 at 92.0 and 91.7, respectively. On his heels was Joe Burrow—who played only eight games—at 91.8 and 91.3. Even late into his 30’s, Stafford is still able to manufacture big-time throws with the best of them. He led the NFL with 58 such passes at a clip of 7.7%. The next closest players were Caleb Williams (one fewer game; 37 passes, 5.4%) and JJ McCarthy (7.3%). Stafford was also one of the most aggressive quarterbacks in football with an average depth of target (ADOT) of 9.8. This is the second-highest mark of his tenured career and second in the NFL to only Marcus Mariota . Mariota’s offensive coordinator from last season, Kliff Kingsbury, is now a senior assistant on the Rams staff. The aggressiveness is not going anywhere. But with aggression comes mistakes. Stafford is also more prone to turnovers when compared to the top of his peers like Burrow and others. Of all quarterbacks with at least 151 dropbacks, Stafford finished 23rd in turnover-worthy play rate at 3.3%. Burrow (0.7%), Jared Goff (2.0%), Josh Allen (2.4%), Dak Prescott (2.7%), Caleb Williams (3.1%), and Patrick Mahomes (3.1%) were all notably lower. And Stafford isn’t the NFL’s most accurate passer either, which in part is attributable to his deeper depth of target. Using the same volume thresholds, Stafford ranked 31st in adjusted completion rate (ADJ%) at 72.3%. Goff (80.2%) and Brock Purdy (78.7%) were towards the top of the class. The encouraging sign is that we know this is who Stafford is and it’s been the case for mostly his entire career. His performance in turnover-worthy play and adjusted completion rate were middle of the pack for his overall body of work. There are no indicators that Stafford’s skillset is declining, and that should give fans optimism heading into 2026. PFF passing grade, big-time-throw rate, turnover-worthy play rate, average depth of target, and adjusted complete rate are the most stable and reliable indicators to predict future performance. Stafford either led the entire NFL in these marks or showed evident improvement from other stages in his career. His MVP season was real. His likelihood to sustain this production into 2026 should also be high. The Rams offense today is vastly different than how it looked when Stafford stepped under center in Los Angeles for the first time in 2021. LA is no longer a primary 11 personnel team. One of the most interesting wrinkles over the championship season—Stafford’s first with the team—was the deployment of empty formations to force decisions by the defense and trigger the quick passing game. That is not who the Rams are any longer. Instead, LA has recently leaned into heavier personnel packages with multiple tight ends and revamped their running game. The Rams are primarily a gap-based running scheme that now features a two-headed monster with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum . So while Stafford made hay in his early Los Angeles days by getting away from play action passes that asked him to turn his bac [... truncated ...]

Season 3 of Quarterback will feature Cam Ward, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco

The third season of Netflix's Quarterback series will feature Cam Ward, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, and Joe Flacco, chronicling their 2025 seasons