Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman declared that Jalen Hurts would remain their starting quarterback for the 2022 season.
He and head coach Nick Sirianni believe that his on-field performance and his leadership attributes make Hurts the rightful quarterback to build around.
However, the franchise’s direction can easily change, especially with the number of options they can explore.
But after weighing all factors, the Eagles are better off maintaining the status quo instead of exploring other possibilities.
Solid First Season As Starter
The Eagles’ season ended disappointingly after a 31-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Super Wild Card Weekend.
In that game, Hurts completed 53.5 percent of his passes for 258 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
But reaching the playoffs is more than what the franchise could ask for after having a 3-6 record at one point.
Aside from their punishing run game, the Eagles’ front office cannot deny Hurts’ impact on their squad.
"We got to do whatever we can to continue to help him develop." – Howie Roseman on @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/GKAwWr5rte
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
Philadelphia won six of their last eight regular-season games, and Hurts completed over 60 percent of his throws in five of those wins.
His best game during that stretch was against the Washington Football Team, wherein he had a 76.9 completion percentage for 296 yards and a touchdown.
However, his ability to extend plays with his feet makes him a dangerous option on any given snap.
He led all quarterbacks in rushing yards (784) and touchdowns (10) this season.
He’s a big reason for Philadelphia ending the regular season as the league’s premier run offense.
"I'm pleased with the way he developed as a passer, as a quarterback." – Coach Sirianni on @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/nRrPB5Zl18
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
Yet relying on the ground game alone won’t help them defeat better teams with excellent run defense like the Buccaneers.
Therefore, Hurts must elevate his passing game, which naysayers often criticized.
His passing inaccuracy will hurt their long-term goals, and the team must address this concern at once.
For now, Hurts is enough for the team, and he also has the locker room’s support.
Getting A Marquee Quarterback
The Eagles are in an enviable position coming into the 2022 NFL Draft.
They have a good quarterback in Hurts, but they can upgrade at the position using their draft picks.
Philadelphia owns the 15th, 16th, and 19th picks in the first round, and they can use this capital to trade for an established play-caller.
The Houston Texans are looking to get rid of Deshaun Watson, and the Eagles satisfy the asking price of three first-round picks.
“It breaks my heart” hearing Jalen Hurts taking responsibility and blame for the game
Jordan says he himself could have been better pic.twitter.com/HbiijrnNoM
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 16, 2022
The Seattle Seahawks may also engage in trade talks with Philadelphia to find Russell Wilson a new home.
There’s also a chance that the Green Bay Packers ask for those picks in exchange for Aaron Rodgers.
This flexibility can make Hurts’ starting job unsafe.
But while the prize is tempting, the Eagles are better off using these picks to upgrade in other positions.
Fly With Hurts
Trading for another quarterback does not solve the Eagles’ primary problems.
They need to revitalize their defense because their starters are advancing in age.
The Eagles badly need pass rushers after finishing 31st in sacks with 29.
Philadelphia also needs more than Darius Slay to build a shutdown secondary.
.@donovanjmcnabb on Jalen Hurts #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/4q8JXYcr6g
— JAKIB Media Sports (@JAKIBMedia) January 18, 2022
Drafting another wide receiver will help, especially if Jalen Reagor and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside do not pan out.
That said, Roseman should use their draft capital wisely to improve the team around Hurts.
Giving him more reinforcements will speed up their march towards becoming serious contenders.
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