Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has reportedly agreed to a record-breaking five-year extension with the team, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history (CNN). The deal is worth $255 million, which averages out to $51 million per year. The Eagles confirmed the news on their Twitter page.
However, it has been reported that Hurts had to undergo surgery prior to signing the extension (Fox News). Hurts reportedly had to remove “hardware” from his ankle, which stems from a past injury. Despite this setback, Hurts will remain in Philadelphia for years to come (NFL.com).
This deal also sheds light on the issue of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. Hurts’ mega-deal highlights the progress that Black quarterbacks have made in the league (USA Today). Once banned from the position, Black quarterbacks are now being rewarded for their talent and leadership abilities.
Some have speculated on how Hurts’ deal might affect future quarterback contracts in the NFL. A roundtable discussion on The Athletic explores who might reset the market again after Hurts and how much is too much for QB contracts (The Athletic).
While there is no doubt that Hurts’ contract is an impressive feat, it also serves as a painful reminder for some. Hurts’ deal is reportedly worth more than Lamar Jackson’s contract with the Baltimore Ravens (USA Today). This leaves Jackson and his team wondering what could have been.
Despite the controversy surrounding his deal, Hurts has been praised for his athleticism and leadership abilities. Bleeding Green Nation reports that some have even compared him to Kobe Bryant and Beyoncé (Bleeding Green Nation).
Overall, Hurts’ five-year extension is a major milestone in his career and in the history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL.
