According to an official announcement from the team, the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with quarterback Matt McGloin. The one-year deal sees the former Raider sign as the Birds’ third string quarterback..so what does this mean for the Eagles?
Roster Move: #Eagles and QB Matt McGloin agree to terms on a one-year deal. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/lcWKfD48oM
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 10, 2017
Quarterback camp complete?
The team carried three quarterbacks into training camp last year..even after trading Sam Bradford. McLeod Bethel-Thompson filled in once Bradford had been traded, as Wentz and Daniel elevated up a spot in the depth chart. Surprisingly, only two made it to the regular season.
The Eagles would later add former Andy Reid pupil, Aaron Murray to the practice squad, waiving him after the end of the season. It’s well known that Pederson wanted a third arm to groom behind Wentz and the backup quarterback..but is McGloin the right person?
As it stands, the team’s quarterback camp is filled..with Wentz training with the first team, while Foles will take reps with the twos and McGloin with the threes. What will be interesting to see, is whether the former Penn State standout is able to stick onto the roster after Training camp is completed.
More tutelage for Wentz?
After parting ways with Chase Daniel, former Eagles QB, Nick Foles, returned to Philadelphia to resume that vacancy. Foles of course brings a wealth of experience..but McGloin is hardly starved of NFL snaps himself..something a low-round draft pick or rookie would be.
McGloin has appeared in 14 games during his career so far, starting 7 and completing 58.1% of his passes. 11 touchdowns, 11 picks and 1,868 yards add to the rest of his stat line..which for a third string quarterback on a one-year deal is definitely of value to the Eagles.
McGloin may not be direct competition for Nick Foles, but it’s worth noting that he has of course been a backup to none other than Derek Carr..a man who many believed to be a leader in the MVP race until his heartbreaking injury.
In terms of developing a quarterback, McGloin has worked closely with a signal-caller who has developed into one of the most promising names in the NFL. It’s something that would have certainly played into the Eagles minds when making the signing.
On an interesting note, quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo spent two seasons with McGloin during his time at Oakland. A link that surely held some merit when deciding who the third arm should be as Training Camp looms in the distance.
Never say never:
Even though the Eagles have signed McGloin to a one-year deal, the nature of it implies that the signing wasn’t made with a long-term future in mind. The Eagles could absolutely still be looking to add a quarterback in the bottom rounds of this year’s draft, adding competition for the potentially pending rookie. The team notably worked out athletic Pitt QB Nathan Peterman and could also be willing to turn to an undrafted free agent to spice things up.
Even though the corps appears solidified for now, the Eagles are always looking for new and inventive ways to make things interesting. Doug Pederson has done nothing but emphasize the value of competition since arriving in Philadelphia..and one more quarterback added into the mix would certainly add some intrigue..as McGloin’s deal would, like every other Eagles offseason acquisition..become a prove-it contract.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
