Jalen Hurts QB
| Reported deal: | 5 years, $255 million |
|---|---|
| New money: | $255 million |
| New years added: | 5 |
| Technical new-money APY: | $51.0 million |
| Reality APY: | $42-47 million |
| Verdict: | Market Rate |
While the headline $51 million APY sounds massive, the contract's structure tells a different story. The Eagles used a triple option bonus structure with void years to keep early cap hits extremely low - just $6.15M in 2023, $13.56M in 2024, $21.77M in 2025, and $31.77M in 2026.
On April 17, 2023, Jalen Hurts signed a 5-year, $255 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. The deal includes $179.3 million in total guarantees, with $110 million fully guaranteed at signing and $126.5 million fully guaranteed by March 2024. The contract also includes a $23.294 million signing bonus and features the first no-trade clause in Eagles franchise history.
The extension keeps Hurts under contract through the 2028 season, with the Eagles having him locked up for six total years when including his remaining rookie contract year. The deal came after Hurts led Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII, where they lost to Kansas City 38-35. At 24 years old when signed, Hurts became the youngest quarterback to receive such a massive contract, surpassing Aaron Rodgers’ previous high-water mark for annual value.
Additional Contract Details
| Contract type | Extension |
|---|---|
| Contract through | 2028 |
| Guaranteed at signing | $110.0 million |
| Total guarantees | $179.3 million |
| Date signed | 2023-04-17 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-13 |
Reality Check
While the headline $51 million APY sounds massive, the contract's structure tells a different story. The Eagles used a triple option bonus structure with void years to keep early cap hits extremely low - just $6.15M in 2023, $13.56M in 2024, $21.77M in 2025, and $31.77M in 2026. This makes it more of a 3-4 year deal than a true 5-year commitment, with the team likely needing to restructure or extend Hurts again before the back-loaded years hit.
The 2029 void year carries a $97.5 million cap hit, essentially forcing a renegotiation. Contract experts note this isn't a true market-moving deal despite the APY, as Hurts doesn't become the highest cash earner until year 3 at $153 million. The reality APY over the likely lifespan of 3-4 years is closer to $42-47 million annually when accounting for the front-loaded structure and inevitable restructuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hurts actually get $51M per year?
Not exactly. His cap hits start at $6.15M and gradually increase, with the team likely restructuring before hitting the massive back-end numbers. His real annual value over 3-4 years is closer to $42-47M.
What happens in 2029 with the $97M void year?
The Eagles save $97.5M in cap space with no dead money if Hurts doesn't re-sign. More likely, they'll restructure or extend him again to avoid that massive cap hit.
How much is actually guaranteed?
$110M at signing, growing to $126.5M by March 2024, with $179.3M total guarantees including injury protections and roster bonuses over the contract's life.
Why the no-trade clause?
It was the first in Eagles history and shows their commitment to Hurts as the franchise QB. It also gives Hurts control over his destination if the relationship sours.
How does this compare to other QB deals?
While technically the highest APY at signing, the structure is more team-friendly than deals like Russell Wilson's or Dak Prescott's, with lower early cash flow and more flexibility for Philadelphia.
Sources
- https://www.nfl.com/news/jalen-hurts-eagles-five-year-255-million-contract-extension
- https://overthecap.com/thoughts-on-jalen-hurts-255-million-contract-with-the-eagles
- https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/47648/jalen-hurts
- https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/why-hurts-wanted-his-contract-structured-a-specific-way/273434/
- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jalen-hurts-first-50-million-qb-to-win-super-bowl-credit-eagles-for-fielding-champion-with-rising-salary-cap/
