In a surprising move, the Philadelphia Eagles have opted to keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, a decision that has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. General manager Howie Roseman defended this strategy, stating, "Four quarterbacks, the most important position in sports. I feel like all those guys have value for our team. Obviously, some is short-term value, some is long-term value." However, this decision represents a significant allocation of roster space, with 8% of the team's roster dedicated to the quarterback position, primarily to support starter Jalen Hurts.
The implications of this choice extend beyond mere numbers. By retaining four quarterbacks, the Eagles have limited their ability to fill other critical positions on the roster. The decision to keep Cole Payton, a fifth-round draft pick who Roseman admitted is not yet ready for NFL action, has raised eyebrows. This choice not only affected the composition of the active roster but also had repercussions on the practice squad, as the Eagles lost four players to waiver claims, the highest number for any NFL team.
Among those claimed were offensive linemen Cameron Williams and Myles Hinton, defensive back Kapena Gushiken, and tight end Cameron Latu, all of whom could have contributed to the Eagles' depth this season. Had the Eagles chosen to keep only three quarterbacks, they might have retained one of these players, potentially enhancing their roster's overall strength. However, the risk of losing Payton to another team if waived also loomed large.
Payton's limited experience is evident; he started just one season at North Dakota State and had minimal playing time during the preseason, totaling only 21 snaps. In those appearances, he completed 4 of 11 passes for 37 yards and rushed for 45 yards, statistics that hardly suggest he would be a sought-after player on waivers. His role has been further complicated by the competition between veterans Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee for the backup quarterback position, which has left Payton with little opportunity to showcase his skills.
Roseman acknowledged that keeping Payton has hindered his ability to make trades, a hallmark of his management style. He expressed a desire for action but noted that the circumstances did not align for any trades to be made. The inability to trade either Dalton or McKee stems from the fact that Payton is not yet prepared to step in as an emergency quarterback should both Hurts and the backup be unavailable.
As the Eagles prepare for their season opener against the Washington Commanders on September 13, the competition for the backup role remains unresolved, with Roseman keeping details close to the vest. The Eagles' acquisition of Dalton last spring, who brings substantial experience with nearly 40,000 career passing yards, initially seemed to set the stage for potential trades. However, the decision to draft Payton complicated matters, forcing the Eagles to retain both Dalton and McKee alongside the rookie.
Looking back at previous seasons, the Eagles have faced similar challenges with quarterback depth. In 2025, they drafted Kyle McCord, who later left the team after a series of roster moves. This cycle of drafting and losing quarterbacks has prompted Roseman to prioritize Payton's development, believing that keeping him on the roster could yield long-term benefits. He stated, "These guys are valuable. They take time to develop, at the same time." The Eagles are banking on Payton's potential to develop into a reliable option in the future, which could save them from spending significant resources on veteran backups.
The decision to keep four quarterbacks will be closely monitored as the season unfolds. While the immediate consequences may seem detrimental, the Eagles are hoping that their gamble will pay off in the long run, providing them with a solid foundation for their quarterback position.
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