Jalen Hurts is set to become the new USD255-million man after agreeing to a five-year extension deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The move is significant for the Eagles as it solidifies their commitment to Hurts, who helped Philadelphia win the 2022-23 National Football Conference title and came three points short of giving the team their second Super Bowl in five seasons. The decision validates the organization’s belief in the Oklahoma product and sets the stage for an eventful future for the franchise. The development will ensure the Eagles’ chances in NFL 2024 season betting as Philadelphia own the third-best odds of winning the Super Bowl.
Eagles recognize Hurts’ potential
The Eagles rewarded Hurts’ big 2022-23 season with a five-year deal that would keep the Oklahoma alumnus through 2028. The deal, which gives Hurts USD179 million in guaranteed money, makes the quarterback the highest-paid player in NFL history. The guaranteed money is just behind the Deshaun Watson deal in Cleveland (USD230 million) and Kyler Murray (USD189.5 million) with the Arizona Cardinals.
A source close to the deal said that the new contract also includes a no-trade clause – a first in franchise history. In the 2022-23 season, Hurts had a completion percentage of 66.5% and passed for 3,701 yards. He recorded 22 touchdowns and six interceptions for a quarterback rating of 101.5. The 24-year-old signal caller rushed for 760 yards and scored 13 TDs. The deal is expected to boost Hurts’ confidence and sends a message to the team that they believe in his abilities.
Stability to the team
The new deal gives the Eagles continuity and stability to the quarterback position as Hurts ended the uncertainty and issues that surrounded the most important spot in American football. Hurts will now serve as the building block as the Eagles will look for other players that could help the team’s chances of winning their second Super Bowl. They now have a talented offensive corps composed of wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonte Smith, running backs Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny and tight end Dallas Goedert.
The team’s defense is also stacked and dreaded, especially with new rookie acquisitions Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, who are expected to contribute as soon as possible and complement to the already talented defensive lineup that Philadelphia have for the 2023-24 season.
Keeping himself motivated
Despite the multi-million dollar agreement that he will sign once the NFL allows teams to sign their players, Hurts stayed the same and was motivated by it. Brown, who is the team’s primary receiver, said that the quarterback will still be that hard-working individual that is determined to be great in his craft. If there is one thing that would change, it’s his motivation, as he will be more motivated than ever to improve on his performance in the 2022-23 season and help the Eagles win their second NFL title in the Super Bowl era, Brown added. The wide receiver expects Hurts to work even harder to prove to critics and fans that the deal was worth it.
Another player that would attest to Hurts’ calm demeanor after getting a huge deal was center Jason Kelce, who noted that the signal-caller remained the same person he knew from the start of his career in Philadelphia. He said that he still works out hard, trying to get himself better each day. He sees that hunger to boost his craft in the young man’s eyes and the contract seems like a footnote for Hurts. General manager Howie Roseman pointed out that it is important for the quarterback to deliver a championship to the city of Philadelphia and he will try his best to make that dream a reality.
At just 24 years old, Hurts, who went 14-1 in the 2022-23 regular season, is already a top-5 quarterback in the NFL. He proved the doubters wrong when he guided the Eagles to the Super Bowl in his second full year as a starter. The deal was beneficial for both sides, especially the Eagles, as it saved them at least USD20-25 million that they can use for shopping for quality free agents that can boost the team in the 2023-24 season.
On to the next one
The Eagles’ deal to extend Hurts until the 2028 season speaks volumes on how valuable the quarterback position is in the NFL. The latest development in the Philadelphia roster will affect 2024 Super Bowl betting as it will have the team at the top of the heap once more along with the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs and NFC contender San Francisco 49ers. Hurts returning to the Eagles will pose problems in the NFC East as the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants will face him twice during the regular season. It will also help the Eagles’ bid to retain the NFL Championship and possibly a return trip to the Super Bowl.
