It was noted after their NFC Championship Game win over the San Francisco 49ers that the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts would discuss a contract extension this offseason.
With Hurts and his Eagles now in Arizona to prepare for Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Jeffrey Lurie pretty much confirmed that an extension will be in the cards.
Lurie told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio on Monday that Hurts has “nothing to prove” when it comes to being viewed as a long-term answer at quarterback in Philadelphia. Lurie also responded that the young quarterback is “just what we’re looking for” when asked about contract extension negotiations after Super Bowl LVII.
A second-round pick out of Oklahoma back in 2020, Hurts has changed the narrative surrounding him big time. He took over for Carson Wentz as Philadelphia’s starter late in his rookie season. Even after playing well as a sophomore in 2021, there were some questions about Hurts’ ability to be a franchise guy.
Heck, Philadelphia kicked the tires on a potential Deshaun Watson trade ahead of the 2022 season. Fast forward several months, and Hurts looks to be among the best young quarterbacks in the entire NFL.
- Jalen Hurts stats (2022): 66.5% completion, 3,701 passing yards, 760 rushing yards, 35 total TD, 6 INT, 101.5 QB rating
Hurts led Philadelphia to a 14-1 regular-season record before the team dismantled the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Playoffs. He’s still only 24 years old and boasts a tremendous amount of untapped potential.
The ever-evolving quarterback market continues to reset itself around the NFL. With the likes of Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) now eligible for first-time extensions this offseason, that’s going to be taken to a whole new level.
In reality, Hurts compares to those two better-known quarterbacks as it relates to his body of work and team-wide success. Whether the market views him in this manner remains to be seen.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, it makes sense to get an extension done sooner rather than later. Once Burrow and Herbert sign their deals, the top-of-the-line market is going to increase big time. With former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson slated to hit free agency, that’s magnified further.
Right now, Hurts is likely looking at an extension in line with the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL today. That is to say, $45-plus million annually with well over $100 million guaranteed at signing. Nothing that happens during Sunday’s Super Bowl against Kansas City will change this.
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