Wentz 'excited' to work with Jalen Hurts

For the first time since the NFL draft, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz spoke publicly Monday about the team's decision to use a second-round pick on fellow quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The selection was among the most surprising moves of the draft and led to questions about how the Eagles planned to use both quarterbacks in the near and long term.

As for Wentz, he sees the addition of Hurts as a positive.

"I'm excited," Wentz said in a teleconference with reporters, according to Mike Kaye of NJ.com. "I've heard nothing but great things about Jalen, and the kid he is and the player he is, and I've gotten the chance to talk to him, just briefly, so I'm excited to add him to the fold and create a really good, healthy, competitive, challenging environment for all of us."

The Hurts pick came as a shock largely because the Eagles signed Wentz to a four-year, $128-million extension in June.

Wentz wasn't as stunned, however.

"It didn't really concern me," he said. "I think my reaction was kind of understood. I had a feeling that they were going to draft somebody, just given the way our roster is laid out, and trying to get younger. ... So there was no concern for me. I think the team showed their investment in me last year, and I have nothing but confidence and faith in them and they have nothing but confidence and faith in me. I think it's all about strengthening that position and this group that we have."

Last season, Wentz carried the Eagles to a division title despite a rash of injuries on the roster. In the first quarter of their wild-card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, he was knocked out of the game with a concussion. The Eagles turned to 40-year-old backup Josh McCown and weren't able to pull out the victory.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman already suggested the Eagles could use Hurts as not only a backup quarterback, but also much like the New Orleans Saints utilize Taysom Hill.

Wentz didn't share any misgivings about ceding snaps to Hurts.

"Whatever is going to help us win," Wentz said. "I came to Philly, and since being drafted, all I've wanted to do is win and stand up and hold that Lombardi Trophy. Whatever that takes, and whatever that's going to look like, I'm on board."

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