On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that their quarterback Jalen Hurts agreed to a five-year extension to his pre-existing contract. He signed a $255 million extension. Hurts will make $51 million a year, and his contract will expire in 2028. At just 24 years old, Jalen Hurts became the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Photo Cred: SI
Jalen Hurts was selected 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. At the beginning of the season, Hurts started as the team’s third-string quarterback. During Week Two, his hard work paid off, and he moved to backup. Jalen finally got his chance when he relieved the starting quarterback, Carson Weintz, during their 2020 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Hurts impressed the staff and played so well that the new head coach announced on August 31, 2021, that he would lead the Eagles this season as their starting quarterback. It would be almost two years later during the 2022 season, when Hurts would have his breakout season. Jalen won his first playoff game against the New York Giants after a 31- 7 victory in the divisional round. Hurts would later defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a 31- 7 victory to claim the NFC Championship.
Photo Cred: http://www.inquirer.com
The performance on the field certainly warranted an extension – Hurts, at 24 years old, was the second-youngest quarterback to win 14 games in a season, earning Pro Bowl honors and finishing second in the MVP vote. He carried over his outstanding regular season to an all-time performance in the Super Bowl, where he registered 374 total yards and accounted for four touchdowns. But Hurt’s character and leadership were just as instrumental in the Eagles going forward with this contract.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The world first met Jalen Hurts during the 2018 SEC Championship Game. Hurts relieved Alabama’s then-quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, after he left the game during the fourth quarter due to a rolled right ankle. Alabama was trailing 28-21 with 11:15 remaining in the game when Jalen entered. The fans and his team were counting on him to come back and win. Hurts did just that and led his team to victory in a 35- 28 win over the Bulldogs.
