Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
- The Philadelphia Eagles face internal offensive tensions that have sparked speculation about Jalen Hurts future.
- Multiple QB-needy teams could offer substantial draft capital and current players in exchange for the star signal-caller.
- A blockbuster trade could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of the NFL.
The chances of the Philadelphia Eagles trading quarterback Jalen Hurts are very, very low... but never zero.
After an insightful report by ESPN's Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler revealed Monday there are growing frictions within the Eagles' offense, speculation over Hurts' future with the franchise naturally erupted.
What went wrong with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles?
The pair of reporters heard from multiple sources close to play calling operations that recalled instances where Hurts' preferences directly clashed with the plans of then-offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Philadelphia's offense infamously collapsed late in the year, most importantly in the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Now with new coordinator Sean Mannion at the helm, there appears to be an implied adapt-or-die ultimatum for the 27-year-old franchise QB with more motion and under-center action expected to be employed. If Hurts pushes back significantly, how long can the front office tolerate the mutiny before either Hurts or the staff goes?
If Hurts suddenly became available all 31 teams would be making phone calls to general manager Howie Roseman. But for the sake of this exercise, let's evaluate the franchises with the legitimate means and motive to push all their chips in on a blockbuster acquisition.
Pittsburgh Steelers
We already know the Steelers have made calls to Philadelphia inquiring about one of their quarterbacks... just not Hurts. General manager Omar Khan is interested in acquiring backup Tanner McKee as an insurance policy to the scenario Aaron Rodgers doesn't return in 2026. If Hurts were available, getting him would cancel all re-tooling and rebuilding plans for 2027 and send the team into "win now" mode.
Pittsburgh has 12 picks in this year's draft but it's going to take something close to if not exceeding the Ricky Williams king's ransom return to get the Eagles to bite. Offering at least two first-round picks plus a combination of their remaining capital this year and next will be part of the equation. Adding a playmaker or two would lower that draft burden some so don't be surprised if a potential package included a pass rusher like Nick Herbig or a DB like Jalen Ramsey, both needs Philadelphia has to fill.
Miami Dolphins
Now we enter the desperate territory. Miami signed Malik Willis to a lucrative three-year, $67.5 million deal this offseason but with the amount of cap space the team is going to have after Tua Tagovailoa's $99.2 million dead cap charge clears, they can mortgage the team's future on Hurts' $31+ million cap hit over the next three seasons.
The Dolphins also have draft picks to spare. After acquiring the Denver Broncos' first rounder in the Jaylen Waddle trade, Miami could offer both first rounders this year (Nos. 11 and 30) and even tack on next year's with no need to select an Arch Manning or Dante Moore. It would just be a shame to see Hurts sent to QB purgatory in any trade but Miami wouldn't be as bad as the next two potential destinations.
New York Jets
Speaking of purgatory, the Jets would clearly benefit from bringing Hurts in to solve their decades-long QB woes. While a trade between New York and Philadelphia is unlikely, Hurts may want to consider the potential of slinging bombs to Garrett Wilson. He'd be a significant upgrade from Geno Smith who the team inexplicably traded for this offseason in an apparent tanking bid.
The Jets also own two first-round picks this year (Nos. 2 and 16) and three in 2027 which would be incredibly enticing to the Eagles. If the team's willing to part with some combination of those five selections, that offer should definitely get the job done. The tough sell will be getting Hurts to waive his franchise-first no trade clause.
Cleveland Browns
Acquiring Hurts would most certainly end the QB madness on the shores of Lake Erie. Deshaun Watson? Gone. Shedeur Sanders? A backup. Dillon Gabriel? Who cares. Hurts wouldn't have much to throw to besides Jerry Jeudy but he'd be playing in a competitive AFC North division with an opportunity to rewrite the fortunes of an entire franchise.
Cleveland has two first round picks this year (Nos. 6 and 24) which would immediately be part of a package deal. Throw in Gabriel and next year's first rounder and Philadelphia might consider it. Although, fans from around the league may grumble if the Eagles wind up landing Manning or Moore thanks to the Browns.