Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts went from backing up Carson Wentz in 2020 to becoming an NFL MVP finalist in 2022. As the All-Pro passer prepares for Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles are thinking about a contract extension,
Hurts, the 53rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, started his career viewed as a long-term project. Despite an impressive college resume, most believed Hurts’ ceiling was becoming an average starting quarterback who could start for a few seasons.
- Jalen Hurts stats: 101.5 QB rating, 3,701 pass yards, 760 rush yards, 35 total TDs
However, he showed enough flashes in his rookie season to take the starting job from Wentz. After Philadelphia traded one of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks, Hurts took over as the starter and blossomed in 2021.
However, the 2022 season was still viewed as a prove-it year. In order for Hurts to prove he could be a long-term starter, Philadelphia’s front offices wanted to see him evolve even more as a passer. He did just that, finishing second behind Patrick Mahomes for MVP honors and emerging as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL.
Now, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Hurts is in line for a monster contract extension this offseason. The Eagles are committed to him long-term and will begin negotiations with his agent shortly after the Super Bowl.
Related: NFL defense rankings, Philadelphia Eagles outlook
Why a Jalen Hurts contract extension is Eagles’ No. 1 priority
Time is not on the Eagles’ side. Unlike Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, there is no fifth-year option because Hurts wasn’t a first-round pick. As a result, he will be entering a contract year in 2023 thus becoming eligible to become one of the top NFL free agents in 2024.
Related: Highest-paid NFL players
- Jalen Hurts contract: $4.793 million cap hit (2023), 2024 free agent
While Philadelphia will have the option of using the exclusive franchise tag a year from now, it brings its own complications. With pending deals for Burrow and Lamar Jackson, the franchise tag for quarterbacks in 2024 could eclipse $40 million.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Eagles are projected to have just $47.46 million in cap space in 2024. That figure is before the franchise potentially re-signs running back Miles Sanders and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson this offseason.
The franchise tag is also fully guaranteed, resulting in a $40-plus million cap charge for the club a year from now. However, a multi-year extension both ensures Hurts is signed long-term and his cap hits can be spread out with the higher figures counted in future years.
Ultimately, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the two sides find middle ground this spring and sign a long-term deal. Based on the direction of salaries for quarterbacks, Hurts will likely land an extension covering at least four years with a $43-plus million average annual value.