Jalen Hurts just plummeted eight spots, from No. 9 in 2025 to No. 17 in 2026, on ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Seriously, how does that even happen? After all the dude has accomplished, it feels like winning is getting totally ignored in these conversations.
The Numbers Don’t Lie, But These Rankings Sure Do
The experts are saying Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Matt Stafford, and Lamar Jackson are the top tier, which, okay, makes sense. But then they slot guys like Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye, Jared Goff, and Caleb Williams ahead of Hurts? Prescott, with his 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 4,552 passing yards last year, might have an argument, sure. But the rest of that list? Come on! Here’s the kicker: of those 16 quarterbacks ranked above Hurts, only Mahomes, Stafford, and our own Sam Darnold have Super Bowl rings. Guess what? Hurts has a cumulative 22-13-1 head-to-head record against those very same 16 guys ranked higher than him. He’s also 5-3 in the postseason against them, and an even more insane 8-2 combined against Mahomes, Stafford, and Burrow. You’d think a winning record like that would matter to NFL decision makers, right? Apparently not for some.
Issues? Sure. But What About the Wins?
Yeah, the source article points out Hurts has had his moments: holding onto the ball too long, not trusting himself on tight window throws, and sometimes not trusting the playcalling. Plus, his overall development hasn’t been helped by limiting his designed runs, whether that’s his call or the coaching staff trying to preserve him. But here’s what those rankings are missing: the Eagles last season were a one-dimensional team. They battled an ailing offensive line, a learning-as-he-went offensive coordinator, and often took conservative approaches in the second half of games. Despite all that, Hurts still led them to an 11-6 record and they repeated as NFC East champions, the first team to do so in 21 years! Don’t forget, whenever Hurts has been a starter in an “even year” in the 2020s, the Eagles have gone to the Super Bowl (losing in 2022 and winning in 2024). This guy knows how to win. He’s got a 57-25 career record in six years as their starting quarterback, which is a better win percentage than Donovan McNabb’s 92-49-1 over 11 years.
So, what does this ranking snub mean for the upcoming season? Hurts will be playing under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and his success hinges on how well he performs, especially if he’s willing to play more under center. Add to that, a new contract extension is looming, and the Eagles haven’t made a move yet. The man has zero guaranteed salary in 2028, and there’s no sign of an extension being imminent. Talk about motivation! This ranking drop, combined with his contract situation, gives Hurts a massive chip on his shoulder for 2026. Get ready to watch him prove everyone wrong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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