Despite having a proven track record of success in the regular season and playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has faced his fair share of critics. As he looks to get his team back to contender status in the NFC, he remains an overlooked talent at his position.
On the May 13th edition of his talk show ‘The Herd,’ Colin Cowherd gave his top ten quarterback rankings heading into the 2026 season. One name who didn’t appear on this list was Hurts, who was mentioned in the “just missed the cut” group. Some of the names to round out Cowherd’s rankings were Drake Maye, Jared Goff, and Sam Darnold.
It’s no secret the Eagles’ offense had its issues last season. Despite this, Hurts still managed to put together a strong campaign. He posted an 11-5 record in 16 starts while throwing for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Viewed as Middle-of-the-Pack Talent
Hurts being just outside the top 10 seems to be the consensus on where he falls in QB rankings at this point in his career. While appearing on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ recently, Bart Scott also weighed in on this topic. He has the Eagles star in the top half of rankings among his peers.
“I’m somewhere in the middle. I think he is top 15 quarterback and sometimes he moves up that board,” Scott said of Hurts. “He has to evolve as well.”
When looking at Hurts’ career, the main point that should be brought up is the revolving door of coordinators he’s played for since entering the pros. Despite the constant change, he’s managed to lead the Eagles to a pair of Super Bowls and win one while taking home SB MVP honors.
Hurts will once again have to adjust to a new play-caller in 2026 as Sean Mannion was brought in to replace Kevin Patullo after just one year as Philadelphia’s OC.
NFL Legend Issues Vote of Confidence in Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
While most of the discourse around him is skeptical, Hurts still has supporters in and around the NFL. Leading up to the start of a new season, one Hall of Fame QB thinks he will put together a strong campaign in 2026.
During a recent interview on ESPN TV, Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman was asked about Hurts following the hiring of Mannion. Upon a new face being brought in to run the offense, he thinks the Eagles QB will return to the player we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in recent years.
“I think that with where they’re going this year that it will look different,” Aikman said. “I believe Jalen can do anything that he’s asked to do…He’s a quarterback who puts in the time to do everything he can to be his best. Whatever he’s been challenged with this offseason, I fully expect him to come out and play the kind of football we’re accustomed to seeing him play.”
Only time will tell what impact the Eagles’ latest coaching change will have on Hurts and his ability to lead the Eagles on another deep run.
Eagles Jalen Hurts Snubbed in Recent NFL QB Rankings