Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Faces Critical 2026 Season

Hurts' 'rigid preferences' and unwillingness to adjust have set up a pivotal year for the former Super Bowl MVP

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:36pm by Ben Kaplan

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is facing a critical 2026 season after the team's offense regressed in 2025. Hurts reportedly has 'rigid preferences' that inhibited the evolution of the Eagles' offense, and he has clashed with coaches over changes like going under center more. Star wide receiver A.J. Brown openly criticized the offense, and there are questions about Hurts' relationship with his top targets. The Eagles have hired a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, who will implement a system that requires more from Hurts as a processor. Hurts has to be willing to adapt his game if the Eagles are to bounce back in 2026.

Why it matters

Hurts' unwillingness to adjust his game has become a growing concern in Philadelphia, as the Eagles' offense has stagnated despite the team's overall success. The 2026 season represents a crossroads for Hurts, who needs to prove he can be a more adaptable and coachable quarterback if he wants to cement his status as an elite NFL signal-caller.

The details

Hurts' play regressed in 2025, as he set career lows in yards per attempt and completion percentage. The Eagles' offense averaged just 22.3 points per game, 19th in the NFL, and Hurts failed to complete a single pass of 15+ air yards in the playoff loss to the 49ers. Hurts reportedly 'continually fights' going under center and has changed play calls 'to an excessive degree,' frustrating coaches. Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith also voiced frustrations with the offense. The Eagles have hired the inexperienced Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator, and he will implement a system that requires more from Hurts as a processor, including more motion and play-action from under center - areas Hurts has struggled with in the past.

  • In 2025, Hurts set career lows in yards per attempt (7.1) and completion percentage (64.8%).
  • The Eagles' offense scored just 6 points on its final 7 drives in the playoff loss to the 49ers.
  • Wide receiver A.J. Brown criticized the Eagles' offense as a 'shitshow' during the 2025 season.

The players

Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback, a three-time Pro Bowler who won Super Bowl MVP in 2024 but has struggled with rigidity and an unwillingness to adapt his game.

A.J. Brown

The Eagles' star wide receiver who openly criticized the team's offense in 2025 and has had a reportedly strained relationship with Hurts.

DeVonta Smith

The Eagles' No. 2 wide receiver who reportedly lamented the lack of 'layup plays' in the team's offense.

Sean Mannion

The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, a former NFL quarterback who will be tasked with implementing a system that requires more from Hurts as a processor.

Kellen Moore

The Eagles' former offensive coordinator whose relationship with Hurts was described as 'tense' at times.

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What they’re saying

“I think that's fair. I think if you got eyes you can see that. The same things I've been saying like all season. So me, making light of my situation on Twitch with my friend, that's something I'm not apologizing for. You know? Because like I said, if you got eyes, you could see that. Shoot, that's me trying to like laugh through my situation.”

— A.J. Brown, Eagles Wide Receiver

“I think if we're really focused on winning and doing our job, we can't just keep slapping a band-aid over the defense doing their job and getting us out of trouble. At what point are we going to pick up our slack as an offense? We're so great, and that's what I'm getting at. It's not about I don't care about winning or all I care about is stats . No. It's been week after week sometimes, we're not doing our job on offense. So you can't just keep slapping a band-aid over that and you expect to win late in the year ... it's not going to happen.”

— A.J. Brown, Eagles Wide Receiver

“You might want to win, but your way might be different than mine. [Your stars] have to be on the same page and I don't think they always were.”

— Source with knowledge of Hurts and Brown's relationship

What’s next

The Eagles will be closely watching Hurts' willingness to adapt to the new offensive system installed by coordinator Sean Mannion. Hurts' ability to embrace changes and work in harmony with his top receivers will be critical to the team's success in 2026.

The takeaway

Jalen Hurts' rigid playing style and unwillingness to adjust have become a growing concern in Philadelphia, and the 2026 season represents a pivotal crossroads for the former Super Bowl MVP. If Hurts cannot demonstrate more flexibility and coachability, it could jeopardize his long-term future as the Eagles' franchise quarterback.