Why Eagles’ Jalen Hurts wanted his contract structured a specific way
It wasnt exactly a hometown discount. When you become the highest-paid player in NFL history, the word discount doesnt really apply.
But Jalen Hurts did agree to a structure in his blockbuster new contract that provides the Eagles the flexibility to build around him over the next several years.
Its one thing to have a franchise quarterback under contract for the next half decade. But if youre so hamstrung by the salary cap implications that you cant provide enough talent around him to win with, then whats the point?
Dave Zangaro wrote last week about the relatively manageable cap figures the first four years of Hurts contract, which runs through 2028.
Although we dont know yet exactly what the back end of the deal looks like, the five-year, $255 million deal carries cap figures of $6.15 million in 2023, $13.56 in 2024, $21.77 in 2025 and $31.77 in 2026.
Considering the Eagles adjusted cap figure this coming year is $234,179,264 and OverTheCap projects the NFLs unadjusted salary cap to increase to $256 million next year, $282 million in 2025 and $308 million in 2026, you see how much spending power Howie Roseman will have.
Hurts cap figure is never more than 10 percent of the Eagles unadjusted cap figure through 2026. And remember, the Eagles adjusted cap figures after unused cap space from the previous year is added are always higher than the unadjusted figure.
Now, Hurts cap numbers in 2027 and 2028 will be enormous probably over $75 million each year if the Eagles dont eventually re-structure the deal but Roseman has had tremendous success kicking the can down the road, and theres no reason to think that will end now.
On Monday, Hurts talked about why he agreed to a contract that unlike Deshaun Watsons isnt fully guaranteed and includes low early cap figures and base salaries.
I think you look at all the great teams and I wont get too much into detail but you look at all the great teams and players, and it takes a village, it takes a village, he said.
In my first three years, playing around different guys Ive been around, weve got something special going on, and we all want to do it for a long time. So it was important to me to take that approach with it.
The Eagles still want to build through the draft, but the low cap figures give Roseman the ability to sign free agents and extend other valuable players, which in turn helps Hurts as he tries to lead the Eagles to a championship.
As individuals on the team, we want to continue to grow, Hurts said. We are stronger together when we fly together.
Hurts actually said he has mixed feelings about the new contract, meaning hes so focused on working and learning and getting better that hes not totally comfortable even talking about a contract worth a quarter of a billion dollars.
I want to win, he said. I want to win. I know this is a building full of hungry individuals who are willing to do everything that needs to be done to win and Im grateful to lead that path.
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