Nick Sirianni Faces a Decision Regarding Jalen Hurts’ $255 Million Contract as the Eagles Aim to Avoid Repeating the Mistakes of 2023
As the Philadelphia Eagles head into the final weeks of the 2025 regular season, head coach Nick Sirianni finds himself at a crossroads with his franchise quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
The team’s performance has evoked uncomfortable memories of the 2023 collapse, when a promising 10-1 start dissolved into a six-loss skid over the final seven games, culminating in a humiliating wild-card playoff exit.
Now, with echoes of that meltdown ringing loud—marked by a recent three-game losing streak and an alarmingly inefficient offense—Sirianni and the organization must confront the implications of Hurts’ massive five-year, $255 million contract extension signed in 2023, which made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time on an annual basis.
The parallels to 2023 are striking and hard to ignore. Two years ago, the Eagles’ offense sputtered down the stretch, scoring fewer than 20 points in five of their last seven games, including the playoffs.
Defensive issues compounded the problems, leading to in-season coaching adjustments that failed to stem the tide. Fast forward to late 2025, and Philadelphia’s attack has again stalled, failing to exceed 21 points in multiple contests since October.
Hurts, once a dynamic dual-threat weapon, has seen his rushing attempts drop sharply, contributing to a negative expected points added (EPA) per rush for the first time in the Sirianni era.
The passing game has been inconsistent, highlighted by a career-worst four-interception performance against the Chargers that fueled calls for change.
Yet, the situation is not identical. The 2024 season saw the Eagles rebound spectacularly, routing the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, with Hurts earning MVP honors.
That triumph earned Sirianni a multi-year contract extension in May 2025, solidifying his position and reflecting owner Jeffrey Lurie’s confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to navigate adversity. The defense, bolstered by coordinator Vic Fangio, has been a bright spot this year, often bailing out the offense with dominant performances.
Players like Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith remain elite talents, and the offensive line, despite injuries, retains much of its championship pedigree.
The core issue revolves around Hurts and the offense’s identity. Signed to that blockbuster deal after leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII in 2022, Hurts was expected to elevate the team consistently.
The contract, featuring over $179 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause—a first in franchise history—tied Philadelphia’s future irrevocably to him. Early in his extension, concerns arose about protecting the investment, with Sirianni emphasizing that the payday wouldn’t alter how Hurts was utilized, particularly in high-risk rushing situations.
“We didn’t pay him more to do less,” Sirianni said at the time, vowing to maximize Hurts’ skills while prioritizing health.
In 2025, however, the offense under first-time play-caller Kevin Patullo has struggled to find balance. Promoted after Kellen Moore’s departure to become Saints head coach, Patullo has faced intense scrutiny, with fans chanting “Fire Kevin” amid the slump.
Sirianni has increased his involvement in game planning, but results have been mixed. Hurts’ completion rate and efficiency have dipped in stretches, and the run game—once a hallmark featuring Hurts’ legs—has lacked explosiveness.
Barkley, despite flashes, hasn’t replicated his 2024 dominance fully, and the unit ranks near the bottom in several key metrics.
Sirianni has steadfastly defended Hurts, dismissing suggestions of benching him as “ridiculous” even after poor outings. “Every time I go out on that field with Jalen Hurts as our quarterback, we have a chance to win,” he reiterated on radio appearances.
This loyalty stems from shared history: Sirianni and Hurts have weathered rumors of friction post-2023, emerging stronger to claim the Lombardi Trophy. Their mutual obsession with winning bridged any divides, turning potential weakness into championship resolve.
Still, the $255 million commitment looms large. With escalating quarterback salaries—players like Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence surpassing Hurts’ average annual value—the Eagles must decide if restructuring or extending further could alleviate cap pressures while reaffirming faith.
Trading Hurts seems unthinkable given the dead money hit and no-trade clause, not to mention the quarterback abyss it would create. General manager Howie Roseman, architect of the roster’s talent, is more likely to explore cap maneuvers than a divorce.
The Eagles’ response to this skid will define their season. Recent wins, including a shutout over the Raiders and clinching the NFC East against the Commanders, offer hope. Hurts has shown flashes of brilliance, nearly achieving perfect passer ratings in spots, while the defense continues to dominate.
Clinching a playoff berth early provides breathing room, but sustaining momentum is key. Sirianni, now secure in his role, must guide adjustments—perhaps leaning more into under-center runs or simplifying reads—to unlock the offense.
Avoiding 2023’s pitfalls requires introspection and adaptation. Players like Barkley have noted lessons learned from veterans of that collapse, insisting this team is different. Owner Lurie, who rewarded Sirianni post-Super Bowl, demands excellence but trusts the process that delivered a title.
As Week 17 approaches against a tough Buffalo Bills side, Sirianni’s decision isn’t about abandoning Hurts but refining around him.
Philadelphia’s passionate fanbase, quick to boo but fervent in support, craves a return to dominance. With talent abound and a proven quarterback-coach tandem, the Eagles have the tools to exorcise 2023 demons once more.
Sirianni’s challenge is clear: harness Hurts’ potential under that monumental contract, restore offensive rhythm, and position the team for another deep playoff run. The alternative—another late-season unraveling—would raise profound questions about sustainability, but history suggests this group thrives under pressure.
As Christmas 2025 arrives, the Eagles stand poised to script a happier ending, proving championships breed resilience rather than complacency.
