An insider details the potential split between the Eagles and Jalen Hurts.
The Philadelphia Eagles, despite facing challenges during the latter part of the recent NFL season, seem poised to retain Nick Sirianni as their head coach. However, there’s speculation, as mentioned by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, that the Eagles could theoretically explore the possibility of parting ways with quarterback Jalen Hurts during the upcoming offseason.
Last spring, Hurts signed a substantial five-year contract extension valued at up to $255 million, with an impressive $179.3 million guaranteed. Florio pointed out that, from a financial standpoint, the Eagles could absorb a reasonable cap hit of $18.632 million for the 2024 season in the event of a pre-June 1 trade, and Hurts would then be off the books for the subsequent year. It’s noteworthy that Hurts’ contract includes a full no-trade clause, adding a layer of complexity to any potential move.
Examining Hurts’ performance in the 2023 regular season, ESPN stats reveal that he ranked 12th among qualified players with a 60.0 adjusted QBR, 15th with a 65.4% completion percentage, and tied for 13th with 23 passing touchdowns. Despite his notable achievement of being tied for second among all players with 15 rushing scores, there were concerns as only two quarterbacks had more interceptions than Hurts, amounting to a total of 15.
However, statistics alone do not encapsulate the entirety of the situation prompting the Eagles to potentially explore trade options. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that some within the Eagles organization felt that Hurts needed to display a more outward leadership style, especially during challenging moments. Moreover, Joseph Santoliquito of Bleeding Green Nation reported that sources close to the team suggested a perceived change in Hurts’ demeanor since signing the substantial contract extension. According to Santoliquito, these sources believed that Hurts should have been a better leader and possesses the capability to improve in this aspect.
In evaluating the financial implications of a potential trade, Florio highlighted that Hurts’ contract includes $82 million in fully guaranteed money over the next two years and $133 million over the next three. While these figures are significant, Florio notes that such financial commitments might not necessarily be insurmountable in the context of the NFL salary cap landscape, which is often subject to various interpretations and flexibilities.
Despite these considerations, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, as of now, there is no concrete indication that the Eagles are actively pursuing a departure from Hurts before the upcoming draft. The landscape of the NFL can change rapidly, and unexpected developments may alter team strategies. Florio points to the example of the Cleveland Browns, who were reportedly not in contention for quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans until a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract played a pivotal role in changing the situation.
The intricacies of contract negotiations, player dynamics, and team management contribute to the complexity of decisions surrounding a player of Hurts’ caliber. The evolving narrative surrounding the Eagles and Hurts will be closely watched by football enthusiasts and analysts alike, as the offseason unfolds, and the team makes decisions that will shape its future.
