3 ways Jalen Hurts is an immediate upgrade over Carson Wentz for Eagles

Contract

Presuming the Eagles do not sign a high-priced veteran quarterback — and given their salary cap peril, how could they? — the organization has the chance to rebuild around a quarterback on a rookie contract for the second time in five seasons.

Trading Wentz triggered an NFL record $34 million dead-money hit against the cap in 2020 and pushed the Eagles to $47.3 million over the current cap projection, prior to releasing wide receiver DeSean Jackson Friday, but opened up plenty of spending flexibility in coming years.

With Wentz’s contract now the property of the Indianapolis Colts, the Eagles will now have approximately $73 million in cap space in 2022, $136.8 million in 2023, and $207.5 million in 2024, under current salary cap projections.

“They should be all in building around Hurts,” the former scouting director says. “Get speed and playmakers around him. He is a point guard. He can distribute the ball if he has the right players around him.”

It is well documented that teams’ Super Bowl window extends the widest when a quarterback is on his rookie contract. Now, the Eagles have an opportunity with four draft picks in the top-100 this season and perhaps two first-round picks next year to augment the offense around Hurts and replace high priced players who might become cap casualties in the coming weeks.

Now, it comes down to Roseman and the Eagles not blowing this second chance.

“They have needs everywhere,” the former GM says. “Their poor roster is just as much at fault for their rapid decline as the former coach and former QB. Howie Roseman needs to identify ascending talent from off the street and do a much, much better job drafting.”

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.