Mind-Blowing Stats on Eagles Starting QBs (1985–2024)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QUARTERBACKS
QB Turnover in the Early Years (1985–1999)
14 years, 19 different starters.
In 1991 alone, 4 QBs started games (Jim McMahon, Jeff Kemp, Brad Goebel, and Randall Cunningham).
RANDALL CUNNINGHAM, THE GREATEST QB TO EVER PLAY?
The Randall Cunningham Era (1985–1995)
Randall started games in 11 consecutive seasons, making him a consistent presence amidst a QB carousel.
However, he only had 3 years (1988–1990) as the sole starter.
Donovan McNabb , a polarizing figure in Eagles Sports history but the results on the field were franchise altering.
The Donovan McNabb Dynasty (1999–2009)
McNabb became the longest-tenured starter in Eagles history up to that point, starting games for 11 seasons.
Between 2000 and 2004, McNabb started 75 out of 80 games, with the only disruptions coming from backups (like Koy Detmer in 2002).
Quarterback-by-Committee (2002 Season)
In 2002, the Eagles used 3 different QBs (Donovan McNabb, A.J. Feeley, and Koy Detmer) during a playoff-bound season due to McNabb’s injury.
Carson Wentz was never the same after that injury. An odd era in Eagles history.
Carson Wentz's Tumultuous Tenure (2016–2020)
Wentz played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to a 13–3 record in 2017 but didn’t start the Super Bowl victory game, as Nick Foles took over after his injury.
Over his 5 years, Wentz shared starting duties in 3 different seasons.
Nick Foles, cemented as a Philly Legend for Life. Ice water in his veins. A real life underdog story that Philly rallied behind. All he did was reward our undying love and loyalty as he lead us to the promised land in the most improbable Super Bowl Victory in the history of football.
Nick Foles: The Super Bowl Hero
Foles stepped in during two critical playoff runs (2017, 2018) and became a Philadelphia legend, despite never being a long-term starter.
Jalen Hurts Deserves Better
After years of QB instability, Jalen Hurts has solidified his role as the franchise QB, starting every game since 2021 (barring injury).
The Eagles haven’t had a 4-year sole starter since Donovan McNabb (2000–2004).
In an alternate universe, Jeff Garcia is Nick Foles. Still an absolute legend for life in Philly.
Quarterback Streaks and Gaps
Longest streak of stability: McNabb (2000–2004), with no other QB starting.
Longest streak of chaos: 1985–1999, with an average of 1.4 QBs per season over 15 years.
Multi-QB Seasons
The Eagles used 2 or more starting QBs in 23 out of the last 40 seasons (~58%).
Between 1985 and 1999, every single season featured more than one starter except for the Cunningham-dominated years (1988–1990).
Foles vs. Wentz - Narrative of Contrasts
Wentz: 69 starts for the Eagles, no playoff wins.
Foles: 19 starts, including a Super Bowl MVP performance.
Veteran Mentors and Backups
The Eagles have leaned on seasoned backups, like Jeff Garcia (2006) and Gardner Minshew (2021–2022), to navigate injury seasons and still remain competitive.
After 35 years of QB roulette, Jalen Hurts marks the Eagles' most stable era since McNabb, with his 2024 season continuing a trajectory toward franchise history.
Summary Stat
1985–2024: The Eagles have had 27 different starting QBs across 40 seasons, highlighting one of the NFL's most volatile yet exciting quarterback histories.