Trusted Eagles source may be buying Jalen Hurts’ stock for 2023

Everyone loves his maturity. You won’t find a fan, coach, or teammate that has one bad thing to say about him. If that ticker in Jalen Hurts‘ chest or the thinker he has between his ears were the only determining factors in the debate about whether or not the Philadelphia Eagles‘ QB1 of the moment should be the starter going forward, this franchise would have signed him to a multi-year extension at the midpoint of last season. We all know that there’s more to Hurts’ story than that though.

Jalen Hurts is the type of guy you’d love to be in the foxhole with. He just comes across as someone you’d like to have your back when the chips are down. No one questions that.

The questions are about whether or not he can take another step in 2022, a huge one, and prove that he, beyond any shadow of a doubt, can silence the critics and prove he should be the Eagles’ starter next year in 2023 and beyond. One of the most trusted sources for content relating to the Birds, Reuben Frank, believes it’s nearly a lock that he will be.

Are you interested? Yes? We thought that you might be.

Reuben Frank offered some intriguing theories on Eagles QB1 Jalen Hurts recently in his Roob’s Observations column.

Whether he’s sharing some intriguing historical data via Twitter or hanging out with fellow NBC Sports Philadelphia mainstay Dave Zangaro on their Eagle Eye Podcast, it’s always a good idea to check in with ‘Roob’ and see what he has to say on all things related to the Birds.

During a recent Roob’s 10 Random Eagles Offseason Observations write-up, QB1 Jalen Hurts earned a mention. How could he not, right? Jalen Hurts is always a talking point in Eagles circles.

Here’s some of what was said:

"When you think about it, it’s tough to actually imagine a scenario where he’s not the Eagles’ QB beyond this year. First of all, it’s awfully likely that, with Hurts’ tireless work ethic, a second year in the same offense for the first time since high school, and the upgraded weapons he’ll have at his disposal, he’s going to improve to some degree, make better decisions and become a more consistent and accurate passer. He’s 23, and he’s always shown improvement. Why would that stop? He already had a measure of success in his first year as a starter, going 8-7, reducing his turnovers dramatically from his rookie year, generating 26 total touchdowns and 199 first downs — both among the top 16 in the league… (He’s also) the youngest quarterback ever to start a playoff game for the Eagles. And if Hurts does improve, where are you going to find someone better?"

Frank also mentions that, despite the fact that we’re aware of vice president/general manager Howie Roseman’s draft-day wizardry, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the Birds land C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young, two guys who are going to be taken early in the next selection meeting. It’s also doubtful that Philly trades valuable draft choices to acquire a veteran or sign a free agent? That normally hasn’t been the Eagles’ modus operandi.

Look around the pro football landscape. Russell Wilson was never a real option this past offseason. Neither was Aaron Rodgers. Who does that leave? Baker Mayfield? Jimmy Garoppolo? Sam Darnold?

If those are your options, it would make more sense to be patient, stay with Jalen Hurts, and allow him to continue his development, right? Roob also mentioned that Philly has no choice but to seek other options if QB1 takes a step backward, but with a favorable schedule and a year of experience under his belt, how many of us see that happening?

In the end, it’s hard to disagree with anything that Frank says here. Hurts has the support of his teammates. He might be the most mature and laser-focused 23-year-old most of us have seen (he turns 24 on August 7th).

In the end, Hurts’ fate will be determined by arm talent and decision-making, but it’s hard to imagine that he won’t continue to excel. Time will tell. This will continue to be a talking point in the coming months. Is it September yet? We’re enjoying the summer so far, but if we had a fast-forward button, it might be hard to resist the temptation of moving ahead to Week 1 in the Motor City versus the Detroit Lions.