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Who will be the Eagles starting QB next season? Including Jalen Hurts, draft picks, free agents

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Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) takes the field for a game against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

When one door closes, another door opens. The Carson Wentz drama that has plagued the organization for most of the last 2 seasons is officially over. As a result, the Philadelphia Eagles will look to find the quarterback of their future. Whether that person is Jalen Hurts or not remains to be seen.

The Eagles have many needs that they will look to address this offseason. However, there is no position more important for a team in the NFL than the quarterback position.

With the Eagles officially moving on from the Carson Wentz era in Philadelphia, here are some options that the Eagles could look to bring in as their lead play-caller.

Move Forward with Jalen Hurts

Dec 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The most realistic starting quarterback option for the Eagles next season would be Jalen Hurts. In the 4 total games that Hurts started last season, he displayed high upside, major playmaking ability, and tremendous leadership amid the QB drama going on within the organization.

If the Eagles want to have the best chance to succeed next season, they should completely invest their time into making Jalen Hurts the best possible QB that he can become. Removing all drama regarding who will be the starting quarterback going into next season.

Jalen Hurts has all of the intangibles to become a great duel-threat quarterback. The running upside, ability to make plays outside of the pocket and youth make him qualified to be the quarterback of the future.

Draft Another Quarterback

The Philadelphia Eagles hold the 6th overall selection in this year’s draft. With a new head coach taking over this season, Nick Sirianni may look to find his future quarterback via the draft.

Luckily for the Eagles, this year’s draft class is particularly deep at QB. Four quarterbacks could potentially go in the top 10. This would leave the Eagles with a variety of options to choose from.

Here are 3 realistic quarterbacks that the Eagles could select if they are not particularly sold on Jalen Hurts.

Justin Fields, Ohio State

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields has great arm strength, tremendous toughness, and a very solid frame at 6′ 3″. After a great season with Ohio State, Fields looks poised to be a great pro QB. Most importantly, Fields has already shown that he has what it takes to lead a team through a shakey situation.

https://twitter.com/lockedonbuckeye/status/1345527493827178497?s=20

There is a good chance that Fields is already selected by the time that the Eagles are on the clock. However, if Sirianni believes this is his guy, he should do everything in his power to bring Fields to Philly.

Zach Wilson, BYU

Oct 24, 2020; Provo, UT, USA; BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks down field in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Texas State Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Provo, Utah. Mandatory Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK
USA TODAY NETWORK

After a phenomenal season with the Cougars, Wilson has seen himself skyrocket up draft boards. Zach has incredible arm strength and remains calm in the pocket. As a player who will be a day one starter, the Eagles should definitely consider taking a shot on Wilson.

As someone who will likely be the 2nd QB off the board behind Trevor Lawrence, the Eagles may have to trade up if they are set on selecting Wilson. But that doesn’t mean that they should remove him from their draft board simply because of that.

Trey Lance, North Dakota State:

Jan 11, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Trey Lance (5) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Lance is the biggest question mark in this year’s draft. At just 20 years old, Lance has shown incredible potential in his short time at North Dakota State. Being at such a young age, the Eagles could help mold him to fit their playstyle.

https://twitter.com/BlitzVideos/status/1356794877674205186?s=20

Trey Lance would almost certainly still be on the board at 6th if the Eagles wanted to take a shot on him. However, they may not want want to spend years attempting to unlock his potential.

Sign a Veteran in Free Agency

The Eagles have stated that they “intend to bring in competition” at the quarterback position. Whether that means they want to bring in someone to mentor Hurts or to compete for the starting job, the Eagles will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason.

As the offseason unfolds, we will get a more solid direction on where the Eagles will go. Until then, here are 3 QB options that the Eagles should look into.

Cam Newton, Patriots:

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing season in New England, Cam Newton could be a player the Eagles could get for cheap. In signing Newton, it would be a very low-risk and high-reward situation that the Eagles would find themselves in.

Just a couple of years ago, Cam Newton was an MVP and leading the Panthers to the Super Bowl. So, even if Cam is not the starter, he could help Jalen Hurts as they both have similar play styles.

Tyrod Taylor, Chargers:

Nov 29, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

After a team doctor inadvertently punctured his lung, Tyrod found himself losing the starting job. Instead of creating drama amongst the team, he supported Herbert as he went on to win the NFL offensive rookie of the year.

At worst, Tyrod Taylor would be a great leader for Jalen Hurts to learn from. On the other hand, he could also be a solid insurance policy if Hurts isn’t getting the job done.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins:

Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Who wouldn’t want a little Fitzmagic on their team? As someone who helped Tua Tagovailoa for most of the last season, Fitzpatrick makes total sense to bring in next season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has carved out a great career as a backup/starting hybrid QB. No matter what team he plays for, he has shown that he can step in and get the job done whenever a team calls his name. As someone who could help to mentor Hurts, this signing makes total sense for both sides.

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