Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts got torn apart by the franchise’s fans when he was selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Where are those haters now?
In the last three years, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has constructed a throne out of all the receipts in the past criticizing the selection of Jalen Hurts in 2020. Look up at him, towering above the hordes of Philly fans climbing up Crisco-covered street lamps, as he beholds the simple satisfaction of being right.
Hurts, a second-round pick, has one year left on his rookie deal and is currently eligible for an extension. According to Spotrac, Hurts is projected to make a $44.2 million base salary in 2023, putting him on par with the contracts of Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen and Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray.
As Hurts and the Eagles prepare for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the 24-year-old quarterback knows he’s due for a huge payday regardless of the outcome.
Hurts recorded career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and pass completion rates this past season, leading the Eagles to a 14-1 record and bulldozing his way through the playoffs. Hurts’ 2022 performance was buoyed by the A.J. Brown trade and arguably the best offensive line in football, but in retrospect, it’s hard not to argue that the Hurts pick is turning into one of the best decisions in the franchise’s recent history.
Jalen Hurts is primed to become the Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise quarterback
Much better than selecting Jalen Reagor ahead of Justin Jefferson, that’s for sure.
Jeffrey Lurie had this to say about Hurts’ future in Philly:
"“I don’t think he has anything to prove [to be the long-term answer at quarterback]. He is an MVP-caliber quarterback, an incredible leader of the team on the field, off the field. He’s 24 years old, incredibly mature and, most importantly, driven to be even better. What we’re seeing today I think is just the beginning for Jalen.”"
Asked about when the team will start engaging with Hurts’ camp on an extension, Lurie made it clear that was a discussion for after this very busy week for the Eagles.
Hurts indeed put together an MVP-level campaign alongside AFC heavyweights Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow and should be rewarded for his improved play.
The man in Hurts’ corner throughout it all has been Lurie, who was heavily influential in taking Hurts back in 2020. While Doug Pederson, the Eagles head coach at the time, and general manager Howie Roseman eventually got on board with the draft pick, it was Lurie who reportedly wanted Hurts the most.
Lurie’s unwavering faith in Hurts paid off in 2023, and it seems like Philly has finally found their quarterback of the future.