“Dressroom-breaking news” Star Jalen Hurts is the main source of internal discontent among Eagles teammates amid the team’s troubles and his statement suggesting he may be leaving Pennsylvania, prompting President and CEO Jeffrey Lurie to announce that Jalen Hurts will…

In a dramatic turn for the Philadelphia Eagles, President and CEO Jeffrey Lurie has addressed swirling internal tensions surrounding quarterback Jalen Hurts following a bombshell report that has rocked the organization. After a one-hour closed-door meeting with key management and coaching staff on January 16, 2026, Lurie emerged to announce that Jalen Hurts will remain the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season, emphasizing the franchise’s commitment to him despite recent frustrations and speculation about his future in Pennsylvania.

The announcement comes amid fresh scrutiny of the Eagles’ disappointing 2025 campaign, which ended with a 23-19 NFC Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 11. The team, fresh off a Super Bowl victory the previous season where Hurts earned MVP honors, saw its offense falter significantly in 2025. Hurts completed 294 of 454 passes for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in the regular season, adding 421 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground.

Yet, the unit ranked among the league’s least efficient, particularly in the passing game, leading to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo shortly after the playoff exit.

A detailed feature by The Athletic’s Michael Silver, published on January 16, painted a picture of deep-seated discontent within the locker room. Sources indicated that Hurts has become “the source of much internal frustration,” extending beyond wide receiver A.J. Brown, whose sideline clash with head coach Nick Sirianni during the 49ers game became a viral moment. Teammates reportedly felt Hurts received preferential treatment from leadership, including Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and Lurie, who have been “reluctant to criticize” the quarterback publicly or privately.

This perceived protection has bred resentment, with some players viewing Hurts’ self-comparison to Michael Jordan—highlighted by his endorsement deal with the Jordan Brand and a celebratory pose with a cigar and the Lombardi Trophy—as overly abrasive or out of touch.

Compounding the issues, reports suggested Hurts had made comments in private settings that some interpreted as hinting at a potential departure from Pennsylvania. While no direct public statement from Hurts explicitly indicated he was leaving, these remarks fueled speculation about trade rumors or a possible exit, especially given his five-year, $255 million contract extension signed in 2023, which carries significant cap implications through 2028. The deal includes $179.3 million guaranteed, with $51.5 million fully guaranteed for 2026, making any move logistically complex and financially burdensome.

Lurie’s statement sought to quell the growing unrest. “Jalen Hurts has been integral to our success, leading us to a Super Bowl title and consistently elevating his play in big moments,” Lurie said. “We have full confidence in his ability to lead this team forward. The challenges we faced in 2025 were organizational and require collective accountability, not scapegoating one player.

Jalen will be our quarterback in 2026, and we are committed to providing him with the support needed to return to championship form.” The CEO also addressed the internal dynamics, noting that leadership would work to foster better communication and accountability across the roster.

Head coach Nick Sirianni, who spoke at a season-ending press conference on January 15, echoed this sentiment while outlining the search for a new offensive coordinator. Sirianni stressed a “win-now” approach, consulting a wide range of voices—including Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Roseman, and Lurie—in the hiring process. “You’d be foolish not to use all your resources,” Sirianni said, signaling an inclusive reset rather than a dramatic overhaul that might sideline the incumbent quarterback.

The report has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some defend Hurts’ contributions, pointing to his dual-threat prowess and leadership in high-stakes games, including standout playoff performances. Others argue the offense’s “simplistic” scheme limited explosiveness, and Hurts’ reluctance to push aggressively downfield in key stretches contributed to stagnation. NFL legend Kurt Warner recently critiqued the unit’s approach, calling it overly conservative under pressure.

Despite the noise, no immediate trade appears imminent. Sources familiar with the Eagles’ thinking suggest they may draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft as developmental depth, mirroring how they once groomed Hurts behind Carson Wentz. Backup Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick, has shown promise, but the organization views Hurts as the centerpiece for another title run.

The offseason ahead promises significant changes, from hiring a new play-caller to addressing locker room harmony. Lurie’s announcement aims to stabilize the franchise at a pivotal moment, reaffirming faith in Hurts while acknowledging the need for growth. Whether this unity translates to on-field resurgence remains to be seen, but for now, the Eagles are doubling down on their star quarterback amid the turbulence.

As Philadelphia turns the page on a frustrating year, the focus shifts to rebuilding trust and firepower. With Hurts at the helm, the team hopes to recapture the magic that once made them champions, proving that internal storms can lead to stronger foundations.