NFL Analyst Reveals Why Philadelphia Eagles Star Jalen Hurts Is 'Special'

In a Bleacher Report column titled "Ranking the NFL's True Franchise Players for Teams to Build Around Before 2026 Season," NFL analyst Brad Gagnon ranked Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts No. 3. 

Gagnon believes Hurts is "special."

"Supporting cast, weaponry and system have certainly helped bring Hurts along as a franchise quarterback in Philadelphia, but that doesn't change the fact the uniquely talented and accomplished 27-year-old is exactly that," Gagnon wrote. "The three-time Pro Bowler is a former Super Bowl MVP who consistently generates well over 30 passing/rushing touchdowns per season but is also a gunslinger who has thrown a league-high (by a mile) 40 deep touchdown passes in the last four seasons. Hurts is not typical, but he is special."

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.

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023. However, 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. 

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 Kevin Patullo are gone. 

Sean Mannion, the Eagles' new OC, is a former NFL QB, so 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."

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