Eagles' Biggest Storyline for 2026 Involves Jalen Hurts and Sean Mannion

Philadelphia Eagles reporter Tim McManus of ESPN believes the biggest storyline for the 2026 season involves QB Jalen Hurts and new OC Sean Mannion.

The Eagles parted ways with Kevin Patullo after just one season and hired Mannion this offseason. 

"How will Jalen Hurts fare in the reimagined offense? Sean Mannion, the 34-year-old former QB coach of the Green Bay Packers, is implementing a scheme expected to feature more under center, motion and throws over the middle, elements the offense hasn't leaned heavily into with Hurts as its signal-caller," McManus wrote. "Hurts appears to have bought into both Mannion and the changes so far, but, as the spring practices revealed, there are going to be some stumbles as the unit works through the learning curve. It is clear the front office wants to move the attack in a more modern and imaginative direction. Whether Hurts' skill set and Mannion's vision align is the single biggest question facing an Eagles team trying to round back into championship form following a wild-card exit in 2025."

Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes.

Philadelphia won the NFC East last season. However, Hurts and Co. lost to the San Francisco 49ers at home in the wild-card round. 

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023, but there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

Hurts enters next season with 17,891 passing yards, 110 passing touchdowns, 3,554 rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's made the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl LIX MVP against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles open the 2026 season at home against the Washington Commanders. Hurts is under pressure to play well next season since A.J. Brown and Patullo are gone. 

Since Mannion is a former NFL QB, he's bonded with Hurts well. 

"Jalen's been awesome," Mannion said. "I really think he can do anything we ask of him. He's accurate. He's a great athlete. He really attacks the fundamentals. That's what's been really fun to watch these last two weeks of Phase 2. He's always wanting more things to work on, wanting more things regarding fundamentals, timing, understanding the scheme. He's hungry for more. Those are the guys that are really fun to work with."

Hurts has had seven different play callers over six-plus seasons as a pro. It will be fascinating to see how he plays in 2026 with Mannion calling plays. 

"Jalen's been outstanding in the meetings, and I think having gone through multiple coordinators and stuff, you can tell he's a really capable learner," Mannion said. "He has a great process in the meetings. He always asks really, really thought-provoking questions. He's detailed and attacks his fundamentals. He's always a guy who stays after practice and is working on things. Those are the guys you love to work with."