Examining the Jalen Hurts Effect and its Impact on the recruitment of veteran players
There’s something delightfully calming about a man whose Spotify Wrapped is headlined by Anita Baker. Knowing that same man is your QB1 is downright traquilzing.
By Jake Beckman
As you know, the 2023 offseason began with uncertainty. The Philadephia Eagles lost a lot of dudes from their defense, and it seemed like times were dire. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, things began falling into place.
Longtime Eagle Brandon Graham signed a one-year deal, and we all thought “Okay, very cool. That’s sick. and we like it! BG is the man.” Then, we heard confirmation of what we already thinking. He stayed because he wants to win with Jalen Hurts.
That's the type of effect that QB1 has on people. We already know that his presence played a huge factor in Philly being able to land A.J. Brown. As for the rest of us, we already knew that Jalen isn’t just a dude. He stands head and shoulders above everyone else as 'THE DUDE', and if you think we're saying that because we're biased, just take a moment, look around the NFL universe, and see what everyone else is saying.
Just got off the phone with #Eagles DL Brandon Graham: "I haven't officially signed yet, but it's pretty much done. I'm coming back. It wasn't about the money. I love Philly. I don't want to miss a championship with Jalen. Jalen is the man. I just told my agent make it happen."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 10, 2023
We know that Jalen is in possession of almost every intangible trait known to man that a quarterback needs to be successful. Convincing veteran players to want to stick around is a king-level intangible that he has in his arsenal. Call it the ‘Jalen Hurts Effect' if that's your fancy. There's just one question that needs to be answered.
What is the extent of the Jalen Hurts Effect?
Last year, the Eagles' run defense hit different with the mid-season additions of Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh. Those are two guys who have pretty impressive NFL resumes, especially when it comes to finding their way to the quarterback (and working in conjunction with some great ones).
Suh has enjoyed the fortune of playing with Matt Stafford, Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, Jared Goff, Jameis Winston, Tom Brady, and Jalen Hurts as teammates. Joseph has played with Eli Manning, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, Kirk Cousins, Tyrod Taylor, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts.
If there are two guys that know how much (or how little) a quarterback's leadership qualities can affect a team, it’s those two. Sure, being offered paydays helped, but it’s no small coincidence that they joined a team with one of pro football's best young signal-callers, one that all of his teammates believe in.
It’s no secret that the Eagles were incredibly lucky in avoiding injuries last season, and now, Jalen Hurts' brilliance isn’t a secret either. If Philly is bitten by the injury bug at any point of the 2023 season and depth becomes a question, the Jalen Hurts Effect could play a huge part in Philly's ability to lure an accomplished veteran and add him to the roster.
Nothing beats surprise additions, especially when they involve guys who could be viewed as the final piece to a contender, guys who still have a little moxie, spunk, grit, and life left in them. Philly's QB1 is king, and veteran free agents around the league know that very well. Don't be shocked if one or two are added to the kingdom.
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