Jalen Hurts has spent plenty of time under a microscope in Philadelphia, but a new ranking is putting a different kind of spotlight on the Eagles quarterback.
In Bleacher Report’s list of the top true franchise players under 28, Brad Gagnon placed Hurts third overall, behind only NFC East rival Jayden Daniels and New England’s Drake Maye. The ranking offered a strong counterpoint to the criticism Hurts has faced, especially after the latest ESPN quarterback tiers conversation.
Gagnon made it clear that Hurts belongs in the franchise-player conversation even with the help he’s had around him.
"Supporting cast, weaponry and system have certainly helped bring Hurts along as a franchise quarterback in Philadelphia, but that doesn't change the fact the uniquely talented and accomplished 27-year-old is exactly that.
The three-time Pro Bowler is a former Super Bowl MVP who consistently generates well over 30 passing/rushing touchdowns per season but is also a gunslinger who has thrown a league-high (by a mile) 40 deep touchdown passes in the last four seasons.
Hurts is not typical, but he is special."
That blend of production and versatility is what keeps Hurts near the top of these conversations. His rushing numbers have dipped some lately, but the deep ball remains a major part of his value. Gagnon noted that Hurts has averaged 10 deep touchdown passes per season over the last four years, and the arrival of Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator could push that number even higher.
A more varied passing game could open things up for DeVonta Smith, along with newcomers Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon, giving Hurts more chances to attack downfield.
When he does, the results are hard to ignore. Jeff Kerr of Sports Illustrated pointed out that Hurts owns a 118.1 passer rating on throws of 25 yards or more, which ranks fourth in the league and cuts against the idea that he can’t hurt defenses through the air.
He’s shown that ability on the biggest stage, too. In Super Bowl LIX, Hurts hit Smith in stride to help put the finishing touches on his MVP performance.
After a summer full of noise from his critics, this latest recognition lands as a reminder of what Hurts has become: one of the league’s most impactful players, and a quarterback the Eagles can keep building around.
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