Gunner Stockton’s NFL Future Sparks Debate as Eagles Rumor Emerges
Right now, there’s a lot of quiet but meaningful buzz building around Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, and it’s one of those situations where the lack of certainty is what’s making the story so interesting. On the surface, Stockton isn’t showing up much in early 2026 NFL mock drafts, and the general expectation has been that he will return to Georgia for another season. But a few recent signals have caused fans and analysts to slow down and take a closer look at what might actually be coming next.
The biggest talking point came when Stockton walked during Georgia’s Senior Day. That move alone didn’t confirm anything, but it did open the door to speculation about whether he might consider using his remaining eligibility or testing the NFL waters sooner than expected. Around the same time, Georgia also lost Jared Curtis, the nation’s top quarterback recruit in the 2026 class, who flipped his commitment to Vanderbilt. It has been widely believed that Curtis wanted a clear path to immediate playing time, and Stockton’s continued presence would have made that difficult.
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Despite being largely projected to go undrafted, one notable exception has surfaced. FanSided analyst Patrick Rifino included Stockton as a fifth-round pick in a 2026 mock draft, projecting him to the Philadelphia Eagles. If that sounds surprising, it kind of is, but the logic behind it makes sense. The Eagles are fresh off a Super Bowl run and are firmly led by Jalen Hurts, who is locked into a massive five-year, $255 million contract through 2028. With that stability, a late-round developmental quarterback could quietly be added without pressure.
It has been pointed out that Philadelphia’s quarterback depth remains in flux. Sam Howell is set to hit free agency, Tanner McKee has limited time left on his rookie deal, and another young option hasn’t fully impressed. In that context, Stockton could be brought in to learn, develop, and sit behind one of the league’s most established starters without expectations to play right away.
On the field, Stockton’s production has been solid and steady. into the College Football Playoff, he had thrown for 2,691 yards with 23 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions, while completing over 70 percent of his passes. On top of that, his mobility has been a real weapon, as 442 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground were added. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has consistently backed him, praising his toughness, pocket presence, and ability to make plays when things break down.
For now, the smart money still suggests Stockton returns as Georgia’s QB1 in 2026. But if a strong playoff run further boosts his profile, the conversation around his NFL future could change quickly. Whether he stays in Athens or quietly becomes a late-round project for a contender like the Eagles, Gunner Stockton’s story is clearly still unfolding.
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