One of the biggest questions moving into the 2022 NFL season for the Philadelphia Eagles is, will quarterback Jalen Hurts succeed?
If not, the Eagles will begin their hunt again for someone capable of a franchise tag. But, if so, Hurts is in store for a massive paycheck next offseason. According to Eliot Shorr-Parks via Philadelphia Sports Talk, the Eagles “are likely” going to give Hurts a deal that could be worth $35-40 million per year.
The #Eagles are likely going to give Jalen Hurts a massive QB contract next offseason ($35/40m+ per year). And that will be a good thing for the franchise.
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 28, 2022
WORKING HARD FOR HIS MONEY
With newcomers such as A.J. Brown, James Bradberry, and Haason Reddick scoring big-time paychecks, it’s safe to say Jalen Hurts is making peanuts compared to his teammates. Still on his rookie contract, he is set to make $1.6 million during the 2022 season. Hurts’ pay ranks 54th among NFL quarterbacks, according to Over The Cap.
In his first full season as quarterback, Hurts finished with 3,144 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, also becoming the leading rusher on the team. Though he struggled to complete key plays, Hurts showed promise, leading many to believe he could soon be a top-10 quarterback.
The Eagles’ confidence in Hurts this offseason has since created the perfect storm. The 23-year-old has not only been training to improve his gameplay, but his paycheck (or lack thereof), has allowed for Philadelphia to build around him.
Recently, general manager Howie Roseman stated, “Obviously with all these players, contract’s a big issue. When you have a young quarterback like we do, you can be a little bit more aggressive with contracts then maybe you can when you’re paying a quarterback.”
Now that Hurts has been supplied the tools, the remainder is up to him. If he proves his future belongs in Philadelphia, the Eagles will want to secure him with a mega deal before he reaches free agency (in 2024). A contract extension in the vicinity of $35-40 million would place him in the same pay range as Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins.
