Eagles Face Uncertainty at QB After Prediction of Second-Round Draft Pick

Jalen Hurts' future in Philadelphia could be in question after reports the team may target a QB in the upcoming draft.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:57pm

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The Philadelphia Eagles are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position after a recent prediction that the team may draft a quarterback in the second round of the upcoming NFL Draft. This comes despite the Eagles' continued reliance on Jalen Hurts as their starting QB. The prediction, made by Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr, suggests the Eagles could be looking to add insurance at the position and potentially challenge Hurts for the starting role.

Why it matters

Hurts was a second-round pick himself in 2020 and helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship that season. However, the team's inability to defend their title this past year has led to some criticism of Hurts' performance. The potential addition of another young quarterback could put Hurts' future in Philadelphia in jeopardy, especially if the new draft pick is able to challenge him for the starting job.

The details

The Eagles hold the No. 23 pick in the first round and the No. 54 pick in the second round of the upcoming NFL Draft. While the top quarterback prospect, Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, there is also talk that Alabama's Ty Simpson could be an early selection. It remains to be seen which quarterbacks will be available when the Eagles make their second-round pick.

  • The Eagles lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs this past season.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl championship in 2020.

AJ Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate.

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana University who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is expected to be an early selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Whether that happens, and if that means the team is getting insurance with a young quarterback who could challenge for Hurts' starting role remains to be seen, though.”

— Connor Orr, Sports Illustrated Writer (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Eagles will have the opportunity to address their quarterback situation in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 23 pick in the first round and the No. 54 pick in the second round.

The takeaway

The potential addition of a new quarterback in the draft could put Jalen Hurts' future in Philadelphia in jeopardy, as the team may be looking to add competition and insurance at the position. This move could signal a shift in the Eagles' long-term plans at quarterback, despite Hurts' past success in leading the team to a Super Bowl championship.