League sources predict the Philadelphia Eagles will select a quarterback on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing Jalen Hurts to start next season while developing his eventual replacement. The expectation comes after Hurts threw four interceptions in Monday\'s overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, though concerns about his limitations predated the performance.
\"[The Eagles] will do to Jalen what they did to Carson Wentz,\" one industry source told ESPN. The prediction suggests general manager Howie Roseman will follow the same blueprint used when Philadelphia drafted Hurts in 2020 while Wentz was still the starter.
League observers believe Philadelphia\'s passing struggles stem largely from Hurts\' limitations as a passer. The 2024 season masked these issues as Saquon Barkley and a dominant offensive line created big gains weekly, opening play-action opportunities and downfield passing lanes.
The current offensive line lacks that same dominance, reducing Barkley\'s explosive runs. This shift places greater pressure on Hurts to succeed in straight dropback situations, which has led to problems.
Hurts posted a 54-25 record as Philadelphia\'s starter and reached 6-3 in playoff games. Despite this success, he remains a question mark entering his sixth season as doubts persist about his passing ability.
Nick Sirianni dismissed questions about potentially benching Hurts this week, calling such speculation \"ridiculous\" during his radio appearance. The Eagles have dropped three straight games while averaging just 16 points over their past five contests.
Monday\'s performance against Los Angeles featured glimpses of effective offense, including an 11-play drive late in the first half that mixed runs with a pair of 11-yard completions. However, the game largely forced Hurts into dropback situations that exposed his weaknesses.
The Eagles (8-5) face the 2-11 Raiders at home Sunday. Philadelphia could still rally late in the season despite current struggles, though organizational patience with Hurts appears to be waning behind the scenes.
Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million contract extension in April 2023. Hurts is signed through 2028 and has $51.5 million fully guaranteed for 2026.