The Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback room is buzzing with drama, and it’s not just about starter Jalen Hurts or backup Tanner McKee. Deep down the depth chart, a fierce battle for the QB3 spot is stealing the spotlight, with veteran Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) sending a bold message to the league: he’s ready to shake things up.
What was supposed to be a developmental year for rookie Kyle McCord has turned into a showcase for DTR, the former Cleveland Browns fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft. Traded to the Eagles in March 2025 for QB Kenny Pickett, Thompson-Robinson is proving he’s more than just a depth piece. His recent performances have not only put McCord’s roster spot in jeopardy but also raised eyebrows across the NFL, with whispers of a potential trade growing louder.
“Thompson-Robinson is better than Kyle McCord right now. That’s clear, and DTR is getting more reps lately,” wrote Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice on August 9. “DTR was a five-year starter in college, and he is a third-year pro who has been a QB2 in the NFL. So I guess it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that he has been better than a sixth-round rookie so far.”
The question now looming over the Eagles’ front office is a juicy one: Do they keep the battle-tested veteran who’s outplaying expectations, the rookie with long-term upside, or both? Or, with DTR’s stock rising, could another team swoop in with a trade offer that’s too good to refuse?
DTR’s two seasons in the NFL have been a rollercoaster. In 2023 and 2024 with the Browns, he appeared in 15 games, starting five, and threw for 880 yards on 121-of-230 passing with one touchdown and 10 interceptions, posting a 45.2 passer rating. On the ground, he added 187 yards on 35 carries, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. His late-season start in 2024 against the Miami Dolphins—where he threw for 157 yards despite two interceptions—showed he could handle high-pressure situations.
Now in Philadelphia, DTR’s athleticism and NFL experience are giving him a clear edge over McCord. While McCord boasts a cannon arm and gaudy college stats from his standout Syracuse season, he lacks the dual-threat dynamism that Thompson-Robinson brings to the table. In the Eagles’ first preseason game of 2025, the gap was glaring. DTR was sharp, completing 6-of-8 passes for 78 yards and adding 21 rushing yards on three carries. McCord, meanwhile, struggled, going 4-of-9 for 42 yards with an interception, looking rattled under pressure.
“DTR’s poise and control in the offense were night-and-day compared to McCord’s timing issues,” one observer noted. “He’s playing like a man who knows this is his moment.”
Thompson-Robinson’s unexpected surge has flipped the script on what was supposed to be McCord’s developmental year. The rookie, once seen as the favorite for the QB3 role, is now fighting to stay on the roster. But DTR’s rise isn’t just a problem for McCord—it’s a signal to the rest of the NFL. With his improved play and undeniable athletic upside, Thompson-Robinson could be a hot commodity for quarterback-needy teams, especially if injuries strike elsewhere in the league.
The Eagles face a fascinating dilemma at roster cutdowns. Trading DTR could net them valuable assets, especially given his trade history with the Browns. Keeping him, however, ensures depth and a potential steal of a backup if he continues to develop. Either way, his strong preseason showings are a win for the Eagles’ quarterback room—and a warning shot to rivals that DTR is a name to watch.
For McCord, the clock is ticking. His raw talent is undeniable, but the NFL’s speed and complexity have exposed his inexperience. The Eagles’ coaching staff must now weigh his long-term potential against DTR’s immediate impact. Will they stick with the rookie, hoping his arm talent translates with time, or lean on the veteran who’s proving he belongs?