Critical update emerges on Jalen Hurts' future with Philadelphia Eagles

After months of rumors and speculation earlier in the offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have seemingly committed to starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, at least for next season. Hurts is set to enter his third season in the NFL and his second as the Eagles’ full-time starting quarterback.

Last summer in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Eagles used their first round pick to select former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith. This offseason, the Eagles traded away one of their first round picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for star wide receiver A.J. Brown.

With more weapons on offense alongside him, Hurts is in a prime position to take another step forward this season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes that the team around Hurts will put him in a better position to solidify his status as a long-term starting quarterback option.

“They’re saying Jalen Hurts is well-positioned to make himself a long-term starter because [they] have surrounded him with a good team,” Fowler said, via Eagles Analyst. “He’s pretty much got everything he needs”

Hurts is looking for a big jump in third year with Eagles

The Eagles selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama and Oklahoma, and began his NFL career as the backup to Carson Wentz. Hurts ended up starting four games as a rookie in 2020, completing 52% of his passes for 1,061 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He also flashed his rushing ability, running for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

In 15 games in 2021, Hurts led the Eagles to an 8-7 record. Philadelphia ultimately made the playoffs as a wildcard team. Last season, he completed 61.3% of his passes for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, also adding 784 yards and ten additional touchdowns on the ground.

Hurts has been inconsistent as a true passer in the NFL, but it’s also important to note that he hasn’t had a ton of talent around him. Adding Smith and Brown is a great step in putting Hurts in a position to succeed. Smith caught 64 passes for 916 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2021. Brown is a two-time 1,000-yard receiver in his three-year career. He caught 63 passes for 869 yards and five scores in 2021.

After the 2022 NFL Draft, many came away believing that the Eagles might have overtaken the Cowboys as the favorite in the NFC East. A lot of that depends on Hurts, though, and he is looking to prove himself entering Year 3.