NFL executive projects a huge Jalen Hurts contract extension for Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to become one of the highest-paid NFL players thanks to a looming contract extension this offseason. While dialogue between Hurts and the Eagles is just underway, there are early estimates on the type of deal he’ll sign.

Hurts, a free agent in 2024, is hitting the market at an important time. Coming off an MVP-caliber season, he is now up for a multi-year extension at the same time as Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Baltimore Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson.

• Jalen Hurts contract: $4.789 million cap hit (2023), 2024 free agent

With the NFL salary cap rising thanks to record-setting revenue on a yearly basis, quarterback salaries have exploded. Nine quarterbacks are signed to deals worth at least $40 million per season and the price of signing a franchise-caliber player is now expected to start at a $45 million average annual value.

Burrow and Herbert have each started negotiations for their contract extensions with their clubs and early projections have suggested those deals will eclipse $50 million per season. Regarding Philadelphia’s situation, it seems the two sides could reportedly work out a team-friendly deal.

Speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL executive shared his belief that Hurts could follow the path taken by Patrick Mahomes. While he would still get to be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, the deal would be structured to provide the Eagles with cap flexibility.

“I think Hurts will do a Mahomes-type deal with a good structure for the team. He seems to get it.”

NFL executive on the upcoming Jalen Hurts contract extension

Kansas City signed Mahomes to a 10-year contract extension in 2020. While the deal provided him with a maximum of $503 million and included $141 million guaranteed, it was structured in a way to help the Chiefs. Mahomes only received a $45 million AAV, currently fifth in the NFL, with the length of the deal allowing for the cap hits to be spread out over a decade.

• Jalen Hurts stats (2022): 101.5 QB rating, 66.5% completion rate, 22-6 TD-INT, 14-1 record

While it’s unclear if Hurts would sign a 10-year extension, signing a longer deal and allowing it to be structured financially to help the Eagles would go a long way with the franchise. Philadelphia would be more motivated to get an extension signed this offseason, rewarding Hurts for becoming one of the best quarterbacks in football.

The 2023 season will be the last time Philadelphia gets to take advantage of building a roster around a quarterback making less than most backups. However, it appears Hurts is committed to the franchise long-term and is willing to sign a contract that allows the front office to build a stronger roster around him.