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QB Tanner McKee Moves Eagles Nation After Turning Down an “Unthinkable” Offer from the Jets — Expresses Desire to Stay and Keep Waiting for His Opportunity in Midnight Green

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — In an NFL where starting opportunities are rarely declined, Tanner McKee moved Eagles Nation by saying no to a surprising offer from the New York Jets, instead choosing to stay and continue waiting for his opportunity in midnight green.

According to multiple league sources, the Jets explored the possibility of acquiring McKee to increase competition at quarterback. With uncertainty surrounding New York’s situation, a clearer path to playing time was entirely realistic. But McKee did not view the situation that way.

Eagles rookie QB Tanner McKee impressive in his NFL preseason debut

Tanner McKee, 25, remains the backup behind Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although his official playing opportunities have been limited, he has shown flashes of potential whenever given the chance — both in preseason action and in his rare starting appearances.

In that context, turning down a faster path to a QB1 role is being seen as an emotional decision. But for McKee, it was a choice rooted in belief and loyalty to the organization that gave him his first opportunity in the NFL.

“Philadelphia gave me a chance when no one else did. I love this city, I love this locker room, and I love running out onto Lincoln Financial Field. If I have to wait for my opportunity, I’ll do it — because I believe my future is here.”

That message immediately spread throughout the fan base. In a league where players often chase the quickest route to personal success, McKee’s patience and loyalty stood out as something rare — and deeply meaningful.

The Eagles coaching staff is reportedly appreciative of his work ethic and professionalism. In a stable and competitive system, steady development may ultimately prove more valuable than a rushed leap into a new environment.

In the NFL, careers are often defined by timing. For Tanner McKee, declining the Jets was not about passing up an opportunity — it was about affirming his belief in his journey in Philadelphia. And Eagles Nation will not forget it.

 
 

Packers Identify First “Must-Have” Candidate on Formal Interview List at NFL Combine
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – 26/02/2026 The Green Bay Packers may have just revealed their first true priority of draft season. With the NFL’s formal interview limit capped at 45 players per team — each lasting only 18 minutes — every slot is valuable. And when a prospect lands early on a team’s formal interview tracker, it often signals more than casual interest. It signals intent. Multiple draft observers believe Michigan State center Matt Gulbin could be that “must-have” name for Green Bay. Gulbin isn’t just another mid-round projection. The 6-foot-4, 312-pound interior lineman was officially invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a recognition reserved for top-tier prospects. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks him as the No. 3 center in the 2026 class behind Auburn’s Connor Lew and Florida’s Jake Slaughter — placing him firmly among the elite interior offensive linemen available. For a Packers team potentially reshaping its offensive line, that matters. Gulbin checks several boxes that align with Green Bay’s long-standing preferences. He is described by Packers Wire (USA Today) as “football-savvy, a natural leader, and a great communicator.” A co-captain at Michigan State in 2025, Gulbin brings 52 games of collegiate experience, including time at Wake Forest before transferring. That level of maturity and versatility fits the Packers’ historical profile for intelligent, position-flexible offensive linemen. Center is quietly emerging as a position of need. The Packers have consistently valued linemen who can process quickly, communicate protections, and anchor the interior. Gulbin’s reputation for leadership and command at the line of scrimmage makes him a logical target. There is also circumstantial evidence suggesting deeper interest. Acme Packing Company reported that Packers scouts visited Michigan State multiple times last season — a detail that rarely goes unnoticed in draft circles. While some evaluators note Gulbin doesn’t perfectly fit the traditional “Packers type,” opinions appear split rather than dismissive. In today’s draft environment, formal interview allocation speaks volumes. Teams do not waste those 45 opportunities. Early or notable interviews are often reserved for prospects considered cultural fits, scheme fits, or priority selections. That makes Gulbin’s connection to Green Bay especially intriguing. Is he the first true “must-have” prospect on the Packers’ board? Nothing is confirmed. But if formal interview trends mean what they traditionally mean, Matt Gulbin may have just moved from mid-round projection to serious contender in Green Bay’s draft plans. And when the Packers show intent this early, history suggests it’s rarely by accident