Eagles commit to Hurts as starting QB in 2022

Jalen Hurts did enough in 2021 to remain the Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback next season, general manager Howie Roseman said Wednesday.

"We talk about Jalen and the growth he had - first-year starter, second-year player - leading this team to the playoffs," Roseman told reporters. "Tremendously impressed by his work ethic, his leadership. The last time we talked was during camp, and we said we wanted to see him take the bull by the horn, and he certainly did that."

Hurts steered Philadelphia back to the postseason after a tumultuous 2020, though questions about his proficiency as a passer linger. He ranked near the bottom of the NFL in completion rate (61.3%) and passer rating (87.2).

Still, the 23-year-old threw for 3,144 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, adding 784 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers eliminated Hurts and the Eagles in the opening round of the playoffs after a woeful offensive performance from Philadelphia.

"We got to do whatever we can to continue to help him develop," Roseman said. "And how do we do that? By surrounding him with really good players. Players continue to grow. That's a huge part of developing, they grow. How they are in their second year is not how they're going to be in Year 4, 5, 6, and 7. They're also products of the people around them, so that's on us to continue to build this team."

The Eagles are equipped with three first-round picks in the upcoming draft, allowing them to build around Hurts or chase a high-profile veteran in the trade market. Philadelphia was linked to Deshaun Watson a year ago, but the Houston Texans never moved him.

"Jalen knows where he stands with us," head coach Nick Sirianni said. "He knows he's our quarterback."

The Eagles went 9-8 in the regular season but only beat one team that finished the campaign with a winning record.

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