Eagles Backup QB Turns Down Bengals' $20 Million Contract, Declares: "I Only Want Philadelphia"
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September 17, 2025
Philadelphia, PA — As the Cincinnati Bengals scramble to find a reliable quarterback option during Ja'Marr Chase's long-term absence, Tanner McKee is reportedly turning down a $20 million offer to leave the Philadelphia Eagles. This surprising decision immediately quiets trade rumors and reaffirms McKee’s faith in the stability and system of Nick Sirianni.
Earlier this offseason, after shining brightly in preseason games, McKee drew attention from multiple NFL teams. With his pinpoint passes, poise under pressure, and sharp read-and-react skills, he was seen as a perfect replacement for any team needing to bolster their quarterback depth. Yet, even then, McKee turned down enticing offers from other teams, choosing to stay in Philadelphia to continue developing in a familiar environment.
In this latest hypothetical scenario, the Bengals approached with a package worth around $20 million—roughly four times the total value of his current contract in Philadelphia—in hopes of bringing him in as an emergency solution. McKee once again declined, prioritizing long-term growth in the Eagles’ system over the hefty paycheck.
Tanner McKee: “They called me with a $20 million offer, nearly four times what I’m making in Philadelphia right now. But I turned it down. I believe in how Coach Nick Sirianni is developing me, I believe in this QB room and the winning culture in Philly. I only want the Eagles.”
From a football standpoint, his choice makes perfect sense: In Pennsylvania, he’s making steady progress in passing concepts, pressure management, and RPO plays, while showing impressive flashes when stepping in for Jalen Hurts. The continuity of the scheme, familiar terminology, and trust from the coaching staff are advantages a young quarterback doesn’t want to trade mid-season.
For the Bengals, the rejection forces them back to free agency or another trade structure—along with the challenge of establishing a playbook that any new player can quickly integrate with Tee Higgins and the offense. Despite the enticing finances, mid-season integration and system fit remain real barriers.
For the Eagles, McKee’s decision stabilizes depth behind Jalen Hurts and highlights the developmental appeal of the Philadelphia program. If this scenario plays out, it would mark a win for direction and culture, where fit matters more than the numbers on a contract.
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