The Philadelphia Eagles want Jalen Hurts to be their quarterback for the next few years. The feeling is clearly mutual after Hurts and the team agreed to a five-year extension worth well over $270 million.
General manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie were smart when it comes to their franchise quarterback’s contract. In some ways, the $51 million per year average is a win for Hurts as the largest contract in NFL History.
But not all of his contract is guaranteed. In fact, $179.304 million of the deal is. So how did the Eagles and their quarterback find a compromise to help the team keep its core together while making Hurts the highest-paid quarterback?
A no-trade clause.
Jalen Hurts is the first Eagle in NFL history to sign a no-trade clause
The first no-trade clause given to a player in Eagles history was the compromise Philadelphia and Jalen Hurts came to that not only gives the quarterback the long-term assurances of a deal while the team is locked in with their quarterback for the long-term future.
When you think about the all-time great Eagles in history, none of them received a no-trade clause. It comes as no surprise why the Birds have decided Hurts should be the first. His 300+ total yards and four touchdowns in Super Bowl LVII showed the true potential of the All-Pro quarterback. The way he carries himself on and off the field as well shows of the most mature quarterback in team history.
The no-trade clause is both an assurance and a compromise. Philadelphia won’t be looking for a quarterback in the near future while Hurts won’t get the fully guaranteed deal that many quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson is looking for at the current time.
A five-year deal that allows the Eagles to keep their core players through 2025 allows the team the ability to handle themselves and continue their title-chasing window. The no-trade clause is so much more than a title – it shows the commitment both Jalen Hurts and the front office have to each other.
Now, the excuses will be gone and it’s time for the Eagles’ true QB1 to show how worthy he is throughout the next stage of his career.
AP Photo/Duane Burleson
