The Philadelphia Eagles have made a surprising move at quarterback just days before their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

Philadelphia released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday, clearing a roster spot as the team deals with a growing list of injuries and prepares to head overseas.

Eagles move on from Dalton

Aug 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14) before action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Dalton joined Philadelphia this offseason after the Eagles acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. The 16-year veteran initially won the team’s backup quarterback competition during training camp and preseason, beating out Tanner McKee for the No. 2 job behind Jalen Hurts.

However, Dalton’s time with the Eagles quickly became complicated. He appeared in only one regular-season game and attempted just one pass. That pass came in Philadelphia’s Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, when Hurts briefly left the game to undergo a concussion evaluation. Dalton’s lone attempt was intercepted in the end zone.

The Eagles subsequently moved McKee ahead of Dalton on the depth chart, making Dalton expendable as Philadelphia faced increasing roster needs. The team also has rookie Cole Payton on the 53-man roster, meaning Philadelphia was carrying three quarterbacks behind Hurts while needing roster spots elsewhere.

Roster pressure forces Eagles’ hand

Aug 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14) walks off the field after a loss against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The timing of the move is particularly notable because Philadelphia is dealing with several significant injuries heading into Sunday’s London matchup. Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Marquise Brown, Marcus Epps and Drew Kendall have all been ruled out against Jacksonville, while Jonathan Greenard is listed as questionable.

The Eagles responded by promoting center Jake Majors and running back Carson Steele from the practice squad to the active roster. Those moves required Philadelphia to create additional room, and Dalton ultimately became the odd man out.

Philadelphia will now enter the London game with McKee serving as Hurts’ primary backup and Payton remaining the team’s developmental No. 3 quarterback. Dalton’s release does not necessarily mean his time with the Eagles is permanently over, however. Because of his veteran status, he is not subject to waivers and could potentially return to Philadelphia’s practice squad.

For now, the Eagles have decided that the roster spot is more valuable elsewhere as they prepare for a crucial Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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