QB Jalen Hurts: Eagles are 'my team, so I’m ready to go'

Those on the outside looking in may never truly know how close the Philadelphia Eagles were or weren't to acquiring star quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans this past winter. After Watson officially waived his no-trade clause to join the Cleveland Browns in March, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman all publicly backed starting signal-caller and 2020 second-round draft pick Jalen Hurts. 

The Eagles then theoretically made Hurts' on-the-field life all the better by landing star wide receiver A.J. Brown, the quarterback's "best friend," via a trade with the Tennessee Titans last week. 

Philadelphia receiver DeVonta Smith spoke with reporters Wednesday and explained he's "excited" to learn from Brown, but most eyes, if not all, will be on Hurts this fall as he looks to cement himself as the team's long-term answer at the sport's most important position.

"It’s understood. It’s my opportunity. It’s my team," Hurts said of the support he's recently received from those associated with the franchise, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "It’s pretty much what it is. My team, so I’m ready to go." 

Per ESPN stats, Hurts finished his first full campaign as Philadelphia's QB1 22nd among eligible quarterbacks with an 87.2 passer rating, 19th with a 48.5 total QBR, 21st with 3,144 passing yards and tied for 23rd with 16 touchdowns through the air. The Eagles will expect much better production from the 23-year-old across all categories next season.