Getty Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon argued that head coach Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles will regret signing quarterback Jalen Hurts to a massive contract extension.
Former Philadelphia Eagles No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz peaked during the team’s run to the Super Bowl during the 2017-18 season. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggested the Eagles could be seeing a similar scenario with current quarterback Jalen Hurts.
On June 19, Gagnon constructed a list of recent blockbuster NFL contracts that teams are likely to regret. Gagnon included Hurts’ extension with the Eagles on the list.
“That fantastic 2022 campaign may have been an anomaly for a quarterback who wasn’t a big factor as a rookie, was good-not-great as a sophomore and came back to earth with an uneven 2024 season,” Gagnon wrote. “It’s possible we’ve seen the best of him, and that the league has figured him out to an extent.”
Following their Super Bowl appearance in February 2023, the Eagles signed Hurts to a 5-year, $255 million contract with $179.4 million guaranteed.
After finishing second for the MVP award in 2022, Hurts threw 15 interceptions in 2023. He also saw decreases in his yards per pass and yards per carry averages along with his completion percentage.
The Eagles collapsed late last season as Hurts struggled. Philadelphia lost five of its last six regular season games in 2023. During that stretch, Hurts had 5 touchdowns with 5 interceptions and averaged just 6.5 yards per pass.
Why the Eagles Could Regret Signing QB Jalen Hurts to Extension?
It’s not difficult to see why Philadelphia inked Hurts to a contract that made him one of the five highest-paid quarterbacks on an average annual salary basis. Even Gagnon understands why the deal happened.
“Hurts had just taken the Eagles to the Super Bowl in a magnificent season, and he was entering a contract year with no fifth-year option on the table,” wrote Gagnon.
Hurts averaged 8 yards per pass attempt with 22 touchdowns versus just 6 interceptions in 2022. He also rushed for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, going 14-1 as a starter.
Hurts wasn’t as productive early in 2023, but he continued to lead the Eagles to victory. Going into December, he had the Eagles sitting at 10-1 despite less efficiency than the season prior.
But that all came crashing down in the final weeks of the season. Philadelphia didn’t win the NFC East and then made a first-round exit in an embarrassing 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles are hoping Hurts will bounce back in 2024 under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Hurts’ Controversial Offseason Comments
The new offensive system should give Philadelphia fans reasons for optimism. But Hurts hasn’t exactly been positive about it himself.
When asked about the different role Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will have this upcoming season, Hurts declined to say much very encouraging.
“That’s a great question. I don’t know that I know the answer to it,” Hurts said about Sirianni’s new role, via SI.com’s Eagles Today’s Ed Kracz.
In a follow-up question, Hurts said Sirianni “has been very intentional with what he says and has been delivering great message to the team.” But that did little to help Hurts avoid controversy.
“He needs to get in lockstep with it because at the end of the day, if Jalen is not in lockstep, guess who is not gonna be here if he’s out there beefing with the head coach? Him!” said former Eagles All-Pro defensive end Hugh Douglas on 94WIP Midday Show.
Douglas continued, stopping just short of calling Hurts “a malcontent.”
To Gagnon’s point, even if Hurts recaptures his 2022 form, the Eagles could regret the big contract for their quarterback if he doesn’t get on the same page as his head coach.