ESPN report: QB Jalen Hurts at a ‘crossroads’ with Eagles in 2026

Eagles franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts will enter the 2026 season at a “crossroads” with the organization, just 13 months after being named Super Bowl MVP. That’s according to a report from ESPN’s Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler , who interviewed more than a dozen sources to “pull back the curtain on what’s ailing” the Eagles’ offense. A lot of the piece had to do with Hurts and his role in the Eagles’ 2025 offensive struggles.

“Close observers point to a lack of creativity and synergy in the Eagles’ attack. The pass game wasn’t always properly tied to the run, and there’s a level of predictability that allows opposing defenses to get a bead on what’s coming,” McManus and Fowler wrote. “Though there is plenty of blame to spread, Hurts has had a hand in the offense becoming calcified, according to several team sources who spoke to ESPN on condition of anonymity.

” ESPN reported Hurts has “pushed back on changes that would diversify the scheme,” including going under center more. He also diverts from the game plan to what some in the building feel is “an excessive degree. ” That makes this season all the more important for Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion replacing the fired Kevin Patullo.

Mannion is expected to implement a system in the Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan mold — a system that emphasizes under-center play-action and heavy pre-snap motion. “It sets up a dynamic in which the Super Bowl LIX MVP will be forced to adapt to strengthen his future in Philadelphia,” McManus and Fowler wrote. ESPN’s report came less than 24 hours after Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Hurts .