Eagles trade with Dolphins says plenty about Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles moved back six spots to gain a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it’s telling us plenty about their plans.

Zach Wilson or bust? Well, sort of.

On Friday, the Philadelphia Eagles traded the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 12 overall pick and a first-round choice in 2022. It’s unclear at the time of this article whether that pick originally belonged to the Dolphins or San Francisco 49ers.

Regardless, there’s also this report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stating the Eagles were prepared to move up three spots from their initial slot if they could secure BYU quarterback each Wilson. However, not feeling confident in that — apparently Wilson is going to the New York Jets — they moved back.

The Philadelphia Eagles are rolling with Jalen Hurts in 2021.

While that’s not a ringing endorsement of second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, this decision by general manager Howie Roseman also means Hurts is getting his opportunity. It’s impossible to believe three quarterbacks won’t fly off the board with the first three picks in April’s draft.

Also, the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, who both select before the Eagles, need quarterbacks. Philadelphia is unlikely to be landing anybody with a first-round grade at the position sitting at No. 12.

Hurts, entering his second year, is the clear starter after Philadelphia dealt away Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason. He’ll get a full 16 games to show his promise and talent, with Roseman and the rest of Philadelphia’s front office then making a decision next year on whether to move forward with him, or to use their war chest of draft capital to improve at the position.

It’s good, smart business by the Eagles. They either get a star in Hurts on a rookie deal for the next three years, or they’re well-positioned to replace him in ’22 and beyond.

For now, though, it’s Hurts in Philly.