Eagles Name Jalen Hurts Starting QB

While there did not seem to be much doubt about the Eagles’ starting quarterback job, Nick Sirianni finally removed all doubt Tuesday. Jalen Hurts will start for the team in Week 1.

The Eagles were in position to select Justin Fields or Mac Jones this year, even after trading down from their No. 6 overall spot, but owner Jeffrey Lurie was believed to be behind giving Hurts an opportunity this season. Philadelphia went with Hurts down the stretch last season, as their Carson Wentz era plunged toward a sobering conclusion, and the team will continue on that path to start this season.

Philly, however, has two first-round picks in the 2022 draft. If Wentz plays 75% of the Colts’ offensive snaps, the Eagles will have a third first-rounder. Hurts may have to play very well to keep the Eagles out of the quarterback conversation next year. But he will have that chance, with Joe Flacco and now Gardner Minshew on the Eagles’ roster behind him.

A second-round pick out of Oklahoma, Hurts began his career at Alabama and joined Eagles 2021 first-rounder DeVonta Smith as Crimson Tide freshmen in 2017. After Tua Tagovailoa beat out Hurts for the 2018 Alabama starting job, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma and followed Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray by putting up big numbers with the Sooners. His NFL trajectory remains uncertain, but the Eagles will give the 23-year-old passer a try after trading Wentz.