Former Eagles star Ike Reese breaks down how Jalen Hurts transformed himself into franchise QB (EXCLUSIVE)
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts out of Oklahoma with the 53rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Eagles also had Carson Wentz on their team back then, and Hurts was brought in to be a backup for him.
However, after just one season with Hurts as his backup, Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. The former Oklahoma and Alabama quarterback started for the Eagles in the 2021/2022 season and showed signs of improvement.
Despite Hurts taking the Eagles to the playoffs that season, many had doubts about whether he was the right man for the job. Nevertheless, Jalen Hurts last season proved to everyone that he is the franchise quarterback and took the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Former Eagles linebacker and current radio show host Ike Reese joined The Ballfather podcast in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda and spoke about how Hurts was effectively able to replace Carson Wentz and become a franchise quarterback. Here's what he said:
"I think it was just more or less the thought process that Wentz was going to be the franchise quarterback and Jalen was drafted to be the backup quarterback. How did all this stuff happen?"
"So, I think once we were able to move past that last year, this past year it was I mean he earned it. He like anybody that had doubt, anybody that was on the fence, anybody who had questions and for me I had questions about whether or not he was good enough. No, no, not a question about him as a person, his character, any of that stuff."
"But whether or not could he be good enough to be your franchise quarterback? and he answered all those questions this year. I mean, with flying colors, he answered all those questions. So, to answer the doors, Reggie, I think nothing is 100%, but I'm willing to bet 98.5% of the fan base is in with Jalen Hurts."
Hurts has certainly won the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase, while Carson Wentz is now expected to be on his third different team in three seasons. Despite not being a first-round pick, the Eagles quarterback has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Jalen Hurts is expected to sign a contract extension soon
As per various reports, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are in regular conversations regarding a contract extension. After taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl last season, the team is eager to commit to Hurts being their quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Hurts has earned the right to be labeled as a franchise quarterback, and now he deserves to get paid like one. Hopefully, he will be able to strike a deal soon with the franchise.
Last season, Jalen Hurts had a passer rating of 101.5 for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 15 games. He also rushed for 760 yards on 165 carries and scored 13 rushing touchdowns.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Ballfather podcast, and H/T Sportskeeda.