Jalen Hurts is under pressure after the Philadelphia Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.
What happened?
The Eagles traded Brown in April, with the Patriots relinquishing a 2028 first-round pick.
Why it matters for Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts' performance will be closely watched in 2026, particularly after the Eagles used a first-round pick on Makai Lemon and hired a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion.
Jalen Hurts needs to return to his 2022 form, when he nearly threw for 4,000 yards.
In May, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler cited an AFC executive who called Jalen Hurts a "polarizing player" whose decline could accelerate once he loses a step as a rushing threat.
The Eagles didn't utilize A.J. Brown to his fullest capabilities in 2025, with Brown's 66.9 yards per game being his fewest since 2021.
What comes next?
Jalen Hurts will probably never be a prolific passer like Matthew Stafford or Patrick Mahomes, but he needs to improve his downfield ability.
The Eagles discovered this offseason that there wasn't a realistic path to running it back with Brown and Hurts together.
Brown wanted out of Philadelphia, believing it was best for the next stage of his career.
Chatter about a Brown trade began in February, with the Patriots starting to seriously consider the idea at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The pressure is now on Jalen Hurts to deliver in 2026, with the Eagles' team chemistry depending on it.
Jalen Hurts' decline could accelerate once he loses a step as a rushing threat, according to the AFC executive.
The Eagles are content with their decision to trade Brown, but Jalen Hurts' performance will be the key to their success in 2026.