Eagles land in the top-10 of a ranking of every NFL team’s backup QB situations

Nick Foles and Josh McCown have moved on from Philadelphia but the Eagles backup quarterback position should be in good hands thanks to the re-signing of a talented veteran and drafting of a potentially dynamic playmaker.

The drafting of Jalen Hurts made waves in the city of Philadelphia but it’ll be the availability of Nate Sudfeld that keeps Eagles coaches calm amid another season where analysts and critics question Carson Wentz’s ability to stay healthy.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the backup quarterback situations for all 32 NFL teams and the Eagles landed a solid, top-10 ranking because of Sudfeld and Hurts.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Backup QBs: Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld, Kyle Lauletta

Hurts will need an injury to Carson Wentz in order to get anything resembling a full-time role under center. He has the size (6-foot-1 and 222-pounds) to handle a legit rushing workload, enough speed (4.59-second 40-yard dash) to create big plays and more proven production (career 614-3,274-43 rushing line) than any other QB in this class. It doesn’t really matter if Hurts isn’t ready to function as a high-end passer. Historically, QBs who have high-end rushing roles have simply been a cheat code in fantasy football.

It’s unlikely we see Hurts earn a starting role anytime soon but don’t be afraid to immediately start him in fantasy leagues of all shapes and sizes once he’s under center. Among QBs with at least 100 rush attempts, 15 of 22 (68%) have finished as a top-six fantasy scorer since 2000. This type of workload would certainly be near Hurts’ 16-game projection.

Sudfeld has supplied some preseason goodness over the past few seasons and seemingly has the support of the coaching staff. Add it all together and there’s reason to believe the Eagles offense won’t be in an awful position if Wentz (again) misses game action in 2020.

Hurts is the guy some fans will clamor for but it’s Sudfeld’s knowledge of the playbook and skill set that will allow Eagles coaches to proceed with the gameplan if Carson Wentz somehow is forced to leave a ballgame this season.