Jalen Hurts Rumors: Jeffrey Lurie Instructs Eagles to Prioritize QB's Success

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wants his team to build around Jalen Hurts at quarterback going forward.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported Lurie "has instructed his group to prioritize making Hurts successful in 2021 as opposed to creating a true competition."

This could affect the Eagles' plans in free agency as well as the upcoming draft, as they currently hold the No. 6 pick in the first round.

Hurts was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft and is the presumed starter after the team traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.

Mortensen conceded there isn't "internal unanimity" regarding Hurts as the starting quarterback, but Lurie has sent the message down to general manager Howie Roseman and new coach Nick Sirianni.

"[Sirianni] understands that what the owner wants, the owner gets," Mortensen said on SportsCenter (via Chris Franklin of NJ.com).

It puts a lot of faith in a player who has made just four NFL starts with only 148 career pass attempts.

Hurts showcased plenty of upside with both his arm and legs, but he finished 2020 with six passing touchdowns and four interceptions to go with a 52.0 completion percentage. The 22-year-old had a 41.0 Total QBR, which would have ranked 33rd of 34 quarterbacks if he had enough attempts to qualify.

The Eagles are likely in the midst of a rebuild after going 4-11-1 last season, which creates more flexibility going into 2021. They can give Hurts a long leash with the chance to prove himself on the field, using the offseason to strengthen the offensive line and receiving corps around him.

If the former Alabama and Oklahoma star doesn't live up to expectations, Philadelphia could be in the market for a new starter in 2022.