Even despite the tough loss in the Super Bowl, it was assumed the Philadelphia Eagles would pay Jalen Hurts sooner rather than later.
Both parties claimed that they were in no rush to reach an agreement, pretty much stating that things would work themselves out eventually.
And work themselves out they did, as Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that they just agreed to terms on a five-year, $255 million contract extension, making Hurts the highest-paid player in NFL history.
🚨 🚨 🚨
The #Eagles and Jalen Hurts agreed to terms on a 5-year, $255M contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.@AgentNicoleLynn did the deal, which includes $179.304M in guarantees and a no-trade clause. pic.twitter.com/UNzVumGgoA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2023
Pelissero adds that Hurts also gets $179.3 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause, so fans obviously had plenty to say about this deal.
lamar jackson pic.twitter.com/wtzKhY2Ogk
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 17, 2023
Lamar seeing this pic.twitter.com/LCWC90jGac
—Greg Williams (@GregWilliams28) April 17, 2023
Jalen Hurts looking at the rest of the NFL pic.twitter.com/hO5rLigGaW
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) April 17, 2023
pull rn pic.twitter.com/Ae1ixc0QLG
—Pickswise (@Pickswise) April 17, 2023
Jalen Hurts right now pic.twitter.com/4Ce9kZaFqv
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 17, 2023
It’s crazy to think that some urged the Eagles to move on from Hurts just one year ago, and several analysts and insiders put up mock trades, even predicting they could take another QB in the NFL Draft.
Hurts responded to the team’s confidence by having an MVP-caliber season and being the most improved player in the league by a long stretch in 2022, and he was nearly flawless in their failed Super Bowl trip as well.
GM Howie Roseman and Eagles players have repeatedly raved about Hurts’ leadership skills, relentless work ethic, and ability to lead by example.
His first couple of seasons in the league weren’t exactly impressive, but he showed glimpses of superstar potential in 2022, and it became clear that he was the guy they wanted leading the way for the future.
Now, he’ll have to live up to that massive contract for the next five years or so, which will be easier said than done, all things considered.
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