The Eagles are expected to sign quarterback Cody Kessler tomorrow, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Kessler joins 2019 fifth-round pick Clayton Thorson and former AAF signal-caller Luis Perez as new additions to Philadelphia’s QB room.
The Eagles strongly believe that a team can never have enough opportunities to develop a quarterback with talent, and the team’s acquisitions this offseason are certainly in line with that philosophy. Carson Wentz is obviously the first-string signal-caller — though he has dealt with serious concerns over the past two years — and the team has long been high on current backup Nate Sudfeld.
But Sudfeld has only attempted 25 passes in his professional career, and Kessler could theoretically push him for the No. 2 job. Or, if Wentz’s recovery doesn’t go as hoped, Kessler could even compete for the interim starting gig. At the very least, he and Thorson could battle it out for a role as the team’s third-string signal-caller.
Kessler, whom the Browns selected in the third round of the 2016 draft, has compiled an unattractive 2-10 record as a starting QB in his career, but he hasn’t exactly been in environment that are conducive to winning. Cleveland traded Kessler to the Jaguars last March in exchange for a conditional seventh-rounder, and Kessler ultimately appeared in five games (four starts) for Jacksonville. He went 2-2 and completed 64.9% of his passes with two TDs and two interceptions en route to a modest 77.4 QB rating.
The Jaguars cut Kessler just a few days ago.
Kessler is a good game manager. He won’t lose you a game if he’s in a place with a supporting cast. If I were a coach who needed a back up and I was confident in my offense, I’d sign him.
Agreed. Good summation. Can’t throw deep, but really good short and mid range accuracy. Needs a really strong run game to be successful… is there a connection between the current eagles staff and Kessler?
Would they do this with trading Sudfeld in mind?
i hope so. If they are so high on the kid for no obvious reason, perhaps someone else is.
Good move considering Wentz misses 4 weeks every season
He’s played 40 of 48 games, missing those 8 games in 3 years with a shredded knee and fractured vertebrae.
Team Bakersfield