The 2015 Philadelphia Eagles season was full of highs and lows. Jalen Hurts, in particular, seemed to switch between winning performances and games where he lacked execution. Worse still, the star quarterback lost the locker room’s trust at one point, fueling rumors about his potential departure.
The Eagles’ season ended abruptly last weekend with a 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card round, stemming from a lackluster performance by Hurts.
The loss was just one more of the frustrations Hurts has caused within the team, according to The Athletic insider Michael Silver, who confirmed the rift in the Eagles’ locker room.
Silver acknowledged Hurts’ accomplishments, including his Super Bowl LIX MVP award, but also stated, “He has been the source of much internal frustration, including from teammates other than A.J. Brown.”
Is Jalen Hurts’ departure from Philadelphia imminent?
Hurts’ future with the Eagles has been uncertain practically since he signed his most recent extension, a five-year, $225 million deal in 2023. However, it seems that this time it’s closer than ever.
First, there’s his alleged poor relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Added to this is a negative attitude that has caused problems with the rest of his team.
Although some analysts believe the Eagles will retain Sirianni and Hurts for next season, Silver warned that the team could pick a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Some sources familiar with the Eagles’ organizational mindset believe they might draft a quarterback this spring,” the insider revealed. “Backup Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round selection, is also highly regarded within the organization.”
Is Hurts the Michael Jordan of the NFL?
Part of Hurts’ locker room issues, Silver asserted, stems from his self-perception. Specifically, the six-year quarterback compares himself to NBA legend Michael Jordan.
“Hurts, who has an endorsement deal with Michael Jordan’s brand within the Nike subdivision, dresses himself up as the NFL’s MJ… and some in the organization take that personally,” Silver explained.
Although Hurts still has two years remaining on his contract, some analysts speculate that general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie could begin trading Hurts to teams in need of a quarterback.
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