With Carson Wentz‘s Colts usage tracking toward the Eagles receiving a first-round pick from their recent quarterback trade, the NFC East franchise will face a big decision in 2022. The Eagles are in line to have three first-round picks next year, giving the team ammo to move up in the draft or dangle picks for an established quarterback.
The prospect of the Eagles standing pat at QB next year has entered the equation, with Jalen Hurts showing growth as this season has progressed. But the franchise is not yet certain Hurts will be a long-term starter.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie, who directed the Eagles’ front office to avoid adding competition for Hurts’ QB1 gig this offseason, still believes in the second-year passer, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes. GM Howie Roseman, however, is not as bullish on Hurts long-term.
Lurie led the way in the Eagles drafting Hurts in the 2020 second round, with McLane adding Roseman supported the pick and made the final decision to pull the trigger. The move ended up triggering a seismic shift at QB in Philly. Wentz went from big-ticket extension recipient in summer 2019 to Colts starter by winter 2021. And, it seems, the Eagles are still entertaining the prospect of making another big splash.
Lurie is believed to have led the way in the Eagles being in the Deshaun Watson mix, per McLane, who adds Hurts was viewed as a possible trade chip in such a deal. Of course, Watson would have needed to approve a trade to Philadelphia. Thus far, the Texans quarterback is not believed to have waived his no-trade clause for any team but the Dolphins. Watson figures to be moved in 2022. While the Eagles stand to be interested again — especially once clarity regarding the embattled star’s NFL discipline emerges — Miami appears to have a lead on the field at this juncture.
Hurts is completing 61% of his passes and averaging 7.0 yards per attempt. He sits 22nd in QBR. Not upper-echelon numbers, but the ex-Alabama and Oklahoma starter has obviously made a major impact on the ground for the Eagles as well. Hurts has a shot at a 1,000-yard rushing season, sitting at 695 (with eight TDs) through 12 games. Neither Randall Cunningham nor Michael Vick accomplished that as Eagles. Catalyzed by 200-yard rushing games in four of their past five games, the Eagles lead the NFL rushing. It would be interesting if the Eagles bailed on him as a starter after such an accomplishment, but quarterbacks like Watson, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers figure to be heavily involved in trade rumors again in 2022.
The Eagles would acquire the Colts’ first-round pick if Wentz plays 75% of Indianapolis’ offensive snaps this season. The injury-prone QB is on pace to do so. Though the Colts could make a run to the playoffs, the Eagles at this point project to have three picks inside the top 20. While the 2022 QB crop is viewed as a significant step down from 2021’s celebrated group, Hurts stumbling down the stretch would certainly link the Eagles to first-round passers. The Eagles’ quarterback decision figures to be one of next year’s top dominoes.
gotta love these weekly Hurts stores with questionable levels of proof. lotta fishing going on with these insiders – fishing for clicks.
From Mike Vick to D Watson (possibly). It’s sad that talent overrides all.
Gotta meet the quotas. Gotta find the next non story to replace the never ending Watson non-stories. PFR 101..never let the truth get in the way of a quota. Just claim “unnamed source” and write whatever you want.
Eagles need to sure up the oline, get a solid TE to go with Goeddert, and get a more durable RB than Miles Sanders to pair with hurts. Eagles may have a shot at getting Evan Neal
Eagles need to be the Ravens of the NFC for this to work.
Forget about replacing Hurts. He is one of the best runners of the ball at the QB position and while he isn’t a great at throwing the ball he is improving. This team is young and he suits them and he’s a great leader for them.
Last year they went 4-11-1 and so far he’s got them going 5-7 under a new coach.
Just cause you have the picks doesn’t mean you need to waste them trying to replace something that isn’t broken.
Instead they should draft Kyle Hamilton and George Karlaftis early to improve the defence. Then with the 14th pick I’d try trade back with the lions. Swap 14 and 43 for 23, 33 and a 4th round pick.
Then select a tackle like Penning or Petit-Frere and grab Jalen Wydermyer.
All of a sudden you add two really really good defenders, sure you the o line and grab a top quality TE. The defence improves and the offence gets more protection and another good catching option.
He’s capable enough when you consider that this is supposed to be a weak QB class. I agree, load up on everything else and improve the team around him. If he doesn’t grow, move on.
yep, worth taking another year for the matter of the bad class alone. Let DET and TEX go sell out for QB busts.
True Philly has had enough busts
Not nearly as many as your mom
Atleast 1 more year….
Compare Hurts to another run heavy QB like MVP Lamar Jackson.
Both had a first season over under 60% completion on about 1000 yards as bit part starters.
Second year in Jackson had a 66% completion for about 3000 yards and 1200 rushing yards.
Hurts in his second year is at 2500 yards at 60% completion and 700 rushing yards.
However Jackson threw 36 TDs and had 6 INTs compared to hurts who so far has 12 and 8. Lamar has always had a strong line, a great head coach that also supports him, and multiple good receivers. Whereas Hurts has had to overcome the drama of Wentz, Pederson and Roseman. Plus the o line and receiving group have both gone through a rebuild.
No doubt Hurts needs to improve as a thrower of the football but let’s not forget he’s not your typical QB. He’s a ball runner like Lamar and although he’s not as good as the former MVP he is working on it and getting better.
I really rate Hurts and think he’s a great fit for this team and I hope they stick with him for atleast a couple more seasons. If they don’t I think he will go somewhere else and continue to work and improve and in a couple years make us look silly once again
I watched him play against the Giants on Sunday and he was truly terrible. Until the last drive then the same receiver dropped two touchdowns I kind of felt bad for Hurts. As terrible as he played they still should have won its kind of remarkable.
Roseman is CLUELESS. Hoe does the clown keep his job. Not sticking up for Hurts but Roseman has no idea how to run a team.
Its the Eagles
No one cares
That’s a clown comment, bro!
When the Eagles were a title contender their OL dominated and they were always in the top 3 in time of possession. The team is now ranked 25th in TOP and until that improves all QB discussions are pointless.
The better option is already on the roster GARDNER MINSHEW..,
Nah, they could win with Hurts I think but they have to play to his strengths. They done it the past few weeks except last week. Run the ball.. Sanders isn’t a good option for them. They need a big back like Howard to go with change of pace like Scott. Maybe they should just keep Howard haha
Hurts needs better receivers and defenders.
Wentz did too but instead they wasted a 2nd rounder on this guy they didn’t need.
I’m not sure that the potential upgrades in this year’s QB class are worthwhile enough to burn the picks. The Eagles have plenty of other needs that will end up helping Hurts or whomever else ends up starting. No, Hurts hasn’t looked any good, but the price paid for the expected return is just not high enough to justify pulling the trigger on another new QB.
In my mind, the Eagles have already planned for this contingency. If Hurts fails to improve, Philadelphia already has another potential starter in Gardner Minshew just twiddling his thumbs on the sideline. They went out of their way to acquire him. If they really need another starter right now, there is a guy on the roster who showed some potential already.
SSDD How about getting rid of Roseman. Brags about draft places and trades, no money to pay them and trades them away before they unit as a team. New owner who knows how to win might help.
Maybe publicly owned team from South Philly.
Roseman must go. He is not served the Eagles well in the last several years