The Philadelphia Eagles have signed quarterback Jalen Hurts to a four-year contract extension worth $128 million, with a maximum value of $155 million. The deal includes $55 million in guaranteed money and makes Hurts the first member of the 2020 draft class to receive a contract extension.
Hurts had a promising rookie season in 2020, throwing for 1,061 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions while rushing for 354 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He was named the Eagles' starting quarterback in Week 14 and showed flashes of potential, leading the team to a 2-1 record in his three starts.
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The extension comes as a surprise to some, as the Eagles have been rumored to be interested in drafting a quarterback with their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, the Eagles have publicly stated that they believe in Hurts and see him as their quarterback of the future.
With this extension, Hurts joins the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Deshaun Watson as young quarterbacks who have received lucrative contract extensions early in their careers. Hurts' $40.1 million average annual salary is the ninth-highest in the NFL and the highest for a quarterback with less than 10 career starts.
The Eagles are betting on Hurts to continue to develop and become a franchise quarterback for years to come. With a solid offensive line and talented skill players like Miles Sanders and DeVonta Smith, Hurts will have the pieces around him to succeed.
Jalen Hurts' extension: A gamble for the Eagles?
While the Eagles' commitment to Hurts is commendable, there are still questions about whether he can be a long-term solution at quarterback. Hurts struggled with accuracy and decision-making at times during his rookie season, and it remains to be seen if he can consistently make the necessary throws to lead an NFL offense.
Additionally, the Eagles have a new head coach in Nick Sirianni, who has yet to work with Hurts and may have different ideas about what he wants in a quarterback. It's possible that Sirianni and the Eagles' front office see Hurts as a stop-gap solution while they search for their quarterback of the future.
Overall, the Eagles' decision to sign Hurts to a contract extension is a calculated gamble. If Hurts develops into a franchise quarterback, the deal will be a bargain for the team. If he struggles or fails to develop, the Eagles will have committed significant resources to a player who may not be their long-term solution at quarterback.
In any case, the Eagles have shown their faith in Hurts, and he will have the opportunity to prove himself as a worthy investment in the years to come.
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