The Eagles made a new addition to the ‘quarterback factory’ following the 2022 NFL Draft. They initially tried to add two different quarterbacks but ended up landing Nevada quarterback Carson Strong.

Former Brown quarterback EJ Perry, an athletically gifted talent who elevated one of the poorest overall offenses in the nation, was initially set to join the Eagles on a UDFA deal before ultimately deciding to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s reasonable to see why Perry would want to go into a different situation, given the number of quarterbacks the Eagles are carrying and the fact they signed Carson Strong, who several teams were fighting over, to a $320,000 deal. That is the largest amount given to any undrafted free agent this year.

So, what is the ceiling for Strong in Philadelphia and what does he bring to the table for the team?

For one, it’s a particularly interesting situation given that Strong was largely projected to go no later than the fifth round and was pinned by many as a quarterback with starting potential. No negative information has emerged on his medicals this offseason and he was said to have been cleared by a Los Angeles Rams doctor earlier this offseason.

Strong ended the season and went through both the Senior Bowl and the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine with no signs of being bothered by his previously injured knee. If that continues to be the case and he remains healthy, this could potentially be a huge steal for the Eagles and he could make a push for the roster as the third quarterback this season, becoming one of two Air Raid quarterbacks on the team.

It would be nothing short of shocking to see anything other than Jalen Hurts as the starter and Gardner Minshew as the backup. The spot behind Minshew will come down to Strong and Reid Sinnett, who has yet to throw a pass in the NFL. He projects as a player with a lower ceiling and less overall talent than Strong, so he shouldn’t present a huge challenge in beating out.

In Strong, the Eagles get the most polished pure passer in the draft class who put up solid numbers at Nevada. He consistently made tough deep throws down the sideline that were perfectly placed in every game he played last season. He’s also a quick mental processor and showed that he can move enough to evade pressure and carry the ball once in a blue moon if the situation absolutely calls for it.

The reality of the situation is that the quarterbacks throughout history who have been drafted in the late rounds or who go undrafted and become successful starters are few and far between. It’s going to probably take a combination of injuries and/or poor performances of the quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart in addition to consistent standout performances in practices and staying healthy for Strong to have a shot at becoming a long-term starter with the Eagles. But considering the type of success players like Mac Jones have had and how many similarities the two have shown to each other, Strong getting a shot in a quarterback-hungry league at some point is something that should not be ruled out under the right circumstances.

“I’m going to make the most of my opportunity,” Strong told Nevada Sports Network after deciding to go with the Eagles. “Obviously, I wanted to get drafted and I expected to, but things happen. My story wouldn’t be the same. I’ve always been the kid who was doubted. I had one offer in high school. I’ve got the Eagles who are giving me my one chance in the NFL and that’s all I need.”