Before the 2022-2023 season, the Philadelphia Eagles were in a win-win situation at the quarterback position. They would either have a franchise leader in Jalen Hurts, or they would have multiple first-round draft picks to secure top talent.
Fortunately for the Eagles, they can use their draft picks elsewhere. Hurts not only made the adjustments necessary, but has solidified himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Now, the MVP candidate is awaiting a whopping contract extension, and it’s not a matter of if, but when — and how much.
JALEN HURTS’ CONTRACT EXTENSION — HOW MUCH?
According to Spotrac, Hurts’ future contact extension is estimated to be $272,801,910 for six years. The salary would make him the No. 2 overall highest-paid quarterback, behind Patrick Mahomes who scored a 10-year $450 million deal in 2020.
Yearly, Hurts would make approximately $45.4 million, placing his annual value fifth in the league.
- Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: $50.3 million per year
- Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: $49 million per year
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: $46.1 million per year
- DeShaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: $46 million per year
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: $45.4 million per year
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: $45 million per year
But, given the 24-year-old’s success this season, the Eagles are likely to dish out more money.
This season Hurts has completed 2,560 passing yards, with a career-high average of 8.1 yards per attempt, and 17 passing touchdowns. As a dual-threat, he’s also rushed for 597 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
During Sunday night’s Week 12 game, Hurts became the first player in NFL history to have 125+ passing yards and 125+ rushing yards in one half. And, if that wasn’t good enough, the second-year starter is battling for the MVP title, as he inched to +350 odds this past week.
Per Jeff McLane, Hurts realistically could see $50 million annually, surpassing all but one quarterback in the league.
WHY THE WAIT?
Technically Hurts isn’t eligible for a contract extension until after the 2022-2023 season is over. If the Eagles wanted to, an earlier deal could be made, however, given Philadelphia’s history, it’s unlikely they will prematurely cross that bridge early again.
In 2016, the Eagles signed Sam Bradford to a two-year, $36 million extension. And, just three year later, franchise quarterback Carson Wentz was given a four-year deal worth $128 million.
Neither quarterback worked out for Philadelphia, which is how they ultimately got to Jalen Hurts. But, to hit him with a massive deal and a potential franchise tag would be showing fans that they like to jump the gun.
For now, Eagles’ fans will have to stay patient as Hurts continues to solidify himself as Philadelphia’s future. Now 10-1, Hurts and the Eagles can clinch a playoff spot in Week 13 if they win against the Tennessee Titans. Pair that with a potential Super Bowl run (and MVP), and he’s going to be a very rich man.
