Quarterback Spencer Rattler of South Carolina. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles eyeing Senior Bowl MVP?

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 2/4/24

South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler was named Senior Bowl MVP this weekend. According to recent reports, he caught the eye of at least one team from the NFC East.

Rattler played just two series on Saturday but went 4-for-4 for 65 yards and a touchdown, outperforming quarterbacks like Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., who most consider first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nobody believes Rattler will be a first-round pick but prior to the game, Jake Rabadi of Philly Birds Country reported that the Eagles showed interest and already met with Rattler. Senior Bowl MVP aside, the 23-year-old quarterback is still considered a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect, which could play into Philadelphia’s hands.

The #Eagles have shown interest to, & met with South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler at the Senior Bowl, per source.

Rattler, 23, recorded a career high in passing yards in 2023. pic.twitter.com/WR2cim0avK
— Jake Rabadi (@BirdsCountry) February 1, 2024

As a four-star recruit coming out of high school, Rattler was heavily recruited before joining the Oklahoma Sooners. He became a Heisman candidate by throwing for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2020. After being benched for Caleb Williams, he transferred to South Carolina where had back-to-back 3,000 yard seasons and 37 touchdowns for the Gamecocks from 2022-23.

With only Tanner McKee signed to backup Jalen Hurts, the Eagles could use another quarterback. Fortunately, the team is projected to receive an extra third and three compensatory fifth-round draft picks in the next draft, giving Philadelphia plenty of ammunition to get Rattler in the later rounds.

Not long ago, the Eagles surprised everyone by choosing Jalen Hurts in the second-round after giving Carson Wentz a four-year, $128M contract extension the year before. Hurts signed a five-year, $233M contract in April. That worked out pretty well, but could history repeat itself?

While most consider Ritter a project, with Hurts signed through 2028 the Eagles can afford to take their time with a talented, inexpensive quarterback if they choose.

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