The Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks room is headlined by starter Jalen Hurts and backup Tanner McKee, but some serious intrigue is happening a little further down the depth chart.
In what was supposed to be a developmental year for rookie Kyle McCord, veteran Dorian Thompson-Robinson is making a serious push to lock down the QB3 spot.
“Thompson-Robinson is better than Kyle McCord right now. That’s clear, and DTR is getting more reps lately,” Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice wrote 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. That’ll be an interesting decision for the Eagles at cutdowns. Can they trade DTR? And if not, will they keep the better player right now, or the rookie with theoretical higher upside? Or maybe both?”
Will Dorian Thompson-Robinson Beat Kyle McCord Out for the QB3 Role?
Thompson‑Robinson, often referred to as DTR, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
His first two seasons were slow and laden with growing pains. In 2023 and 2024, he appeared in 15 games (five starts), completing 121-of-230 passes for 880 yards, one touchdown and 10 interceptions, with a passer rating of 45.2. He also had 187 rushing yards on 35 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
He was also entrusted with starting duties late in the 2024 season, stepping in for an injured Jameis Winston to start a game against the Miami Dolphins, where he threw for 157 yards (20-of-34) and two interceptions.
In March 2025, the Eagles acquired DTR in a trade that sent QB Kenny Pickett to Cleveland, signaling that they saw potential value in his athleticism and experience as a developmental depth quarterback. His opportunities have been limited thus far, but he has certainly shown flashes.
DTR’s NFL Experience Could Give Him Leg Up on McCord
DTR has already spent two seasons in the NFL. That kind of experience is something McCord just doesn’t have yet, and it gives Thompson-Robinson an immediate comfort level when it comes to handling the chaos of an NFL pass rush.
McCord’s raw arm talent and big college numbers from his prolific season at Syracuse are undeniable, but it’s fair to say he doesn’t bring the same athletic element to the position that DTR does.
The first preseason game of 2025 seemed to confirm the gap between the two. McCord looked shaky, going 4-9 for 42 yards with an interception, while DTR went 6-8 for 78 yards and added 21 rushing yards on three carries. The difference in efficiency and composure was noticeable, with McCord appearing a step behind on timing, while Thompson-Robinson took advantage of his reps, showing poise and executing the offense with more control.
What began as a competition where McCord was definitely favored has started to swing in the veteran’s direction, with Thompson-Robinson is making a much stronger push for the roster than expected when camp opened.
Could his apparent resurgence make him a trade candidate? If DTR continues to play well during the preseason and another team’s QB room gets ravaged with injuries, it’s certainly possible. He had a rough few years, but he was traded once, and it could happen again.
Whether the Eagles trade him or keep him, DTR playing better is good for everyone involved. Except maybe McCord.
