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NFL Rumors: Matt Barkley considered leading candidate for Eagles backup QB role

By Josh Hill

Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley (2) along the sidelines during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley (2) along the sidelines during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley (2) along the sidelines during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley (2) along the sidelines during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Eagles weren’t sure what they were going to do about their quarterback situation this time last year, but thanks to the wildly surprising season that Nick Foles turned in, those questions have in large part been answered. But while there’s no question who the starter is, the backup role seems to still be clouded in mystery.

At the moment, it appears the Eagles will not be brining back Michael Vick, meaning former USC quarterback Matt Barkley is the leading candidate to be the backup next season. Birds 24/7 broke down the situation, as Sheil Kapadia states Barkley’s role as backup may simply be by default at the moment.

"The options on the free agent market are not exactly enticing. Barkley’s played a lot of football in his life, and the Eagles obviously like his skill set, or they wouldn’t have moved up to take him in the fourth round of last year’s draft. The truth is if he’s not ready to be the backup in 2014, there might not be a reason to keep him on the roster."

Both Kapadia and Tim McManus state that the Eagles could replace Barkley if he flounders in the offseason, and this could mean anything from signing a veteran to drafting a quarterback in the later rounds to groom as a backup.

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