After a “dysfunction” in the locker room, the Philadelphia Eagles may trade Jalen Hurts this offseason, according to NFL Insider.
On Tuesday, an NFL insider proposed the possibility of the Philadelphia Eagles undergoing another significant change in the upcoming offseason by considering the trade of quarterback Jalen Hurts. This suggestion coincides with the Eagles’ ongoing restructuring of the coaching staff for the 2024 season.
Anticipated changes include new offensive and defensive coordinators, following a stretch where the Eagles lost six of their last seven games. Despite this, head coach Nick Sirianni is expected to remain in his position.
According to information from Jeff McLane at the Philadelphia Inquirer, there are concerns among Eagles teammates regarding Hurts’ handling of leadership responsibilities in the locker room during the current season. While acknowledging Hurts’ exceptional qualities as a quarterback, such as passing and running abilities, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, team sources express a desire for him to exhibit more openness in the locker room.
Teammates appreciate and respect Hurts, both on and off the field, but the Eagles are seeking a balance between his authenticity and a more outward leadership style, especially during challenging times.
Additional reports from the Eagles’ camp indicate that wide receiver A.J. Brown organized a players-only meeting to address team issues. Mike Florio from NBC Sports suggests a “general dysfunction” in the locker room during December and January.
Hurts’ contract is considered trade-friendly, and there is speculation about the potential for a trade due to the perceived dysfunction within the team. The specifics of any underlying issues remain unknown, but the trade-friendly nature of Hurts’ contract makes it feasible, with a manageable cap hit for a pre-June 1 trade in 2024.
While there is no concrete evidence indicating a desire for change from either the Eagles or Hurts, the reported locker room issues raise questions about the future. If a trade were to occur, potential destinations include the Chicago Bears or New England Patriots, with the Eagles eyeing a high pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure a replacement, possibly targeting quarterback Justin Fields from the Bears. The Eagles, set to pick 22nd overall, may explore this option, especially if they can secure a promising replacement, given the pressure on coach Sirianni.