Jalen Hurts did not expect the Philadelphia Eagles to draft him, and he certainly did not anticipate becoming their starting quarterback before the end of his rookie season. Hurts told GQ that he initially believed he could spend two or three years waiting for an opportunity after Philadelphia selected him with the No. 53 overall pick in 2020.
The Eagles had recently signed Carson Wentz to a long-term extension and described quarterback development as a priority. Hurts appeared destined for a specialized role while learning behind an established starter. Someone in Hurts’ trusted circle advised him to prepare as though the opportunity could arrive immediately. That warning proved accurate.
Philadelphia’s offense struggled during the 2020 season,
and Hurts replaced Wentz in December. By the following year, Wentz had been traded, and the job belonged to Hurts. The rapid transition did not guarantee long-term security. The Eagles continued evaluating alternatives while Hurts worked to prove he could become a franchise quarterback.
He answered by leading Philadelphia to the playoffs in 2021 and the Super Bowl the following season. Two years later, he finished the job by defeating Kansas City and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Hurts’ rise provides another reminder of why the Eagles continue investing heavily in quarterbacks. The depth chart can change faster than anticipated, and development cannot begin after the opportunity arrives.
Hurts was expected to wait. His preparation as a coach's son allowed him to accelerate the organization’s original timeline and permanently alter the franchise’s direction.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jalen Hurts expected to wait years before starting for Eagles
