How Jalen Hurts’ Presence Could Impact Eagles & Free Agency

Brandon Graham’s words to CBS’ Josina Anderson keep ringing in my ears.

“It wasn’t about the money,” the Eagles defensive end said on Friday after agreeing to a one-year, $6 million contract to return to the Eagles for Year 14.

“I love Philly. I don’t want to miss a championship with Jalen (Hurts). Jalen is the man. I just told my agent (to) make it happen.”

It wasn’t that long ago when the question was: who would want to play for the Eagles who had a big unknown at quarterback in Jalen Hurts?

That was after the 2020 season when Hurts stepped in for a benched Carson Wentz to mixed results.

No matter who leaves in free agency, the Eagles aren’t tanking. Not with Hurts and an offensive arsenal that many teams simply don’t possess, especially on the offensive line.

 

That said, I begrudge no NFL player the money he seeks to make. There is a short window to make the kind of money the best of the best command, so that is a big factor.

 

I was in the locker room when CB Byron Maxwell was asked why he chose the Eagles in 2015 during free agency.

 

“Let’s be honest, man, they gave me the most money,” he said, or something very close to that effect.

 

It was a refreshingly honest answer.

 

Let’s see how many of the Eagles’ free agents take the “Jalen is the man” or “they gave me the most” tact.

 

There’s no right or wrong direction.

 

Players have to do what is best for themselves and their families and a lot of times that means taking the money while they can.

 

Graham has made a lot of money in this league. He likely has a future in Philadelphia, perhaps at one of the talk show radio stations.

 

So, yeah, his reasoning to return makes sense, even beyond Hurts’ presence.

 

The Eagles are likely targeting several of their soon-to-be free agents, so who knows who they may pursue among those not on their roster last year.

 

Still, it’s fun to dream what some free agents from other teams would like in an Eagles uniform.

 

Arizona defensive end Zach Allen might be a good investment. He turns 26 this summer and has had 9.5 sacks in the past two years. He’s from New England, so maybe a chance to return east could be a selling point.

 

Depending on what happens with Slay, maybe Jalen Ramsey would be a veteran that could plug in for a year while you develop a cornerback draft pick.

 

You could say the same thing about linebacker Bobby Wagner.

 

Ramsey and Wagner would probably like to play for a team that has a legit shot to return to the Super Bowl and maybe help them win it this time.

 

There are so many more names that will be available, new ones shaking free each day, such as Minnesota’s Cameron Dantzler, a CB released on Saturday, and possibly the Vikings’ Harrison Smith.

 

The market is flush and officially opens on Wednesday

Plenty of slings and arrows were cast his way by many among the fan base and even several members inside the front office at the NovaCare Complex were not convinced Hurts could be the guy.

Now, look.

Hurts has become a drawing card.

Not just with his own teammates, like Graham, but in the front office, which is negotiating a contract extension for their 24-year-old QB who has already made it to one Super Bowl.

 

Maybe others will follow Graham’s lead, especially those who suited up with league’s MVP runner-up last season.

 

The Eagles want Darius Slay back. Slay says he wants to be back.

 

So, make it happen.

 

If you want to win in a conference devoid of any super team, like the NFC, then why not cast your lot with Hurts and the Eagles?

 

Ed Krazk:

 

MSN