Feb 28, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State running back Miles Sanders (RB20) speaks to the media during the 2019 NFL Combine at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders delivered a quote that may have some fans feeling a bit nervous.
Sanders was full of praise for the team’s new additions in a new interview with CBS Sports. The running back said playing alongside the likes of AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert felt like being part of an “all-star team.”
“Oh man. We all feel like we’re on an all-star team, so we feel great. We feel unstoppable, I’m not gonna lie,” Sanders told Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. “The vibes are great, always have been. Nick Sirianni is doing a great job just keeping the vibes right, the chemistry good. We compete a lot in practice. But we’ve gotta see. Its gonna come down to camp, taking it day by day, putting everything together.”
Sanders does sound a note of caution at the end. Still, this quote might have some fans flashing back to Vince Young’s infamous “dream team” remark 11 years ago. That team went just 8-8 amid Super Bowl expectations.
The Eagles undoubtedly have a lot of talent. Whether they can translate that into a lot of wins remains to be seen. Some of that will come down to the play of quarterback Jalen Hurts, though the team has not avoided raising expectations for him either.
Oct 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs off the field after loss against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ future with the team will likely be decided based on his performance during the upcoming season, but one reporter is speculating that Hurts will get a huge contract extension in 2023 either way.
Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks of WIP-FM Philadelphia Sports Talk radio shared via Twitter Tuesday that the Eagles will likely give Hurts “a massive QB contract next offseason,” which would be a “good thing” for the organization. According to Shorr-Parks, a Hurts extensions would be in the $35-40 million range. That figure would put him in the same ballpark as Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr and Russell Wilson, according to Spotrac.
The #Eagles are likely going to give Jalen Hurts a massive QB contract next offseason ($35/40m+ per year). And that will be a good thing for the franchise.
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 28, 2022
It could be difficult to justify an extension for Hurts if he has a similar season to last year.
Among NFL quarterbacks, Hurts ranked 21st in total passing yards (3,144) and 23rd in touchdown passes (16) last year. The overall passing game for the Eagles was below average under Hurts last season. The Eagles finished 25th in the league with 200.2 passing yards per game. But the Philadelphia running game ranked first in the NFL in total yards (2,715) and yards per game (159.7). If Hurts can improve, the Eagles could have one of the more balanced offenses in the NFL.
With the Eagles acquiring A.J. Brown to pair with DeVonta Smith, the team’s leading receiver last season, Hurts has the weapons to prove to the organization that he would be deserving of a big extension next offseason.
The 23-year-old was a second-round pick by the Eagles in 2020. He is halfway through his four-year rookie deal.
Oct 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs off the field after loss against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is entering a pivotal season that could determine his future status with the team. The third-year quarterback seems to be doing everything he can to prove that he should stay in Philly for the long-term.
Second-year head coach Nick Sirianni told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio Tuesday that Hurts has made a noticeable improvement this offseason in at least one key area of his game.
“I’m noticing a big difference,” Sirianni told Paolantonio, via ESPN’s Tim McManus. “What I see is a crisper ball. The accuracy I’ve been very pleased with. You can just see him taking strides every single day with his accuracy because of the fundamentals he has with his feet and his upper body.”
The Eagles have to be thrilled that Hurts appears to have improved his accuracy issues. In 15 games last season, Hurts completed just 61.3 percent of his passes. He threw 16 touchdown passes to nine interceptions. During his rookie season in 2020, Hurts completed 52 percent of his passes.
The passing game in general for the Eagles was below average under Hurts last season. While the Philadelphia running game ranked first in the NFL in total yards (2,715) and yards per game (159.7), the Eagles finished 25th in the league with 200.2 passing yards per game.
But with the newly-acquired A.J. Brown to pair with the team’s leading receiver from a year ago in DeVonta Smith, Hurts has the weapons to help show the organization that he should remain the Eagles’ starter long after this year.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC
A.J. Brown expects fellow Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith to have a dominant sophomore season.
Speaking to the media after workouts on Friday, Brown said that Smith can be a true No. 1 receiver. He also said that he and Smith can be a special duo at the position.
“In my opinion, Smitty is a wide receiver No. 1,” Brown said, via NFL.com. “And he going against a cornerback No. 2, I expect Smitty to dominate. Just taking pressure off each other. Even being on the same sides, so you can’t really double. It’s great having another great wideout besides you.”
The Philadelphia Eagles traded a first-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Brown during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Brown also highlighted Smith’s route-running ability.
“He’s a really good route runner,” Brown said. “Guys early on in their career, like first year, Year 2, they’re still developing and he can run every route in the route tree. I think the sky’s the limit for Smitty. So, I’m excited for him Year 2. I’m excited for the steps he takes.”
Brown has previous experience playing with top-tier receivers. He got to share the field with former All-Pro Julio Jones in 2021, although Jones had a difficult time staying healthy.
The 23-year-old Smith had an encouraging rookie season last year. In 17 games, Smith led all Eagles receivers in receptions (64), yards (916) and touchdowns (five).
Brown, 24, has been one of the more productive wide receivers in the league since 2019. In three years with the Titans, he had 185 receptions for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns. He led the Titans with 869 receiving yards on 63 catches in 13 games last season, and scored five touchdowns.
Both played like No. 1 receivers last season and have the ability elevate the play of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the entire Philadelphia offense.
Dec 5, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) walks off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants released cornerback James Bradberry last week after not being able to trade him, and it didn’t take him too long to find a home.
“I looked at the overall scheme, and I think it fit my ability the best,” Bradberry said. “I saw the guys that they put with the D-line, and as a DB, sometimes your best friend is the D-line.”
The Eagles should have one of the stingier defenses in the NFC, led by defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, defensive end Derek Barnett and Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.
Bradberry was also asked about his feelings on teaming up with Slay.
“I know he has great ability, and I feel like we’re going to compliment each other well,” Bradberry said.
Bradberry played with the Giants for two seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 with three interceptions and 54 total tackles.
The 28-year-old will have to wait a while to face his former team, however, as the Eagles and Giants don’t square off until December 11.
Dec 5, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) walks off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants released James Bradberry last week after they were unable to find a trade partner for him, and they probably will not be thrilled with where the defensive back ended up.
Bradberry has agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple reports. Several teams reached out after the Giants cut him, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Bradberry chose the Eagles over others.
James Bradberry initially had 11 teams reach out, his agents whittled it down to three teams and eventually he chose the Eagles over the others. https://t.co/gt54pPi4Xm
Bradberry signed a three-year, $43.5 million free agent contract with the Giants two years ago. They saved roughly $10 million against the salary cap by releasing him this offseason.
Clearly still a productive player, Bradberry had 47 total tackles and four interceptions while playing in all 17 games last season. The 28-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2020. He should immediately step into a starting role with the Eagles. Facing the Giants twice a year will be a nice motivator for him.
Oct 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs off the field after loss against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Hurts reportedly still has not won over the Philadelphia Eagles when it comes to being the franchise’s long-term quarterback.
Hurts will be given a “one-year audition” to prove to the Eagles that he deserves to remain the team’s starter, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Eagles want to see Hurts prove himself after bringing in AJ Brown to form a potent receiving tandem with DeVonta Smith.
“This is clearly a one-year audition,” Fowler said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” via Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report. “The 2023 draft class is very strong at quarterback, so the Eagles have 17 games, or more, to figure out if Hurts is the guy. Talking to people around the league, they said look, ‘This is a player who has gotten better, who works really hard, who teammates like a lot.’
“It’s just with his game, does he get exposed a bit over a full season? Do the Eagles have to hide him or can they open up the playbook and he can do a little bit of everything and see the full field? That’s sort of what they’re waiting to see. They feel like Hurts hasn’t proved that as of yet.”
Hurts has not been bad for the Eagles, though he has not been dominant either. He threw 16 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 2021, and the team is 9-10 with him as a starter.
Publicly, the Eagles have been supportive of Hurts. They have discussed getting him the pieces he needs to be successful. Clearly, they feel they have given him a strong roster. Now, it falls on Hurts to repay their faith in him.
Nov 7, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith warms up before action against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles stole the headlines during Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft when they traded a first-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for A.J. Brown.
DeVonta Smith, the first-round pick for the Eagles in 2021, was one of the first players to reach out to Brown following the deal.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Smith revealed to reporters a text he sent to Brown shortly after the trade took place.
“I just sent him the eyes emoji,” Smith said. “And he was just like, ‘let’s get it.'”
Smith also told reporters that he’s looking forward to learning as much as he can from Brown.
“I’m excited just to learn from a guy like him,” Smith said. “Anytime you play football, you watch all the receivers, just seeing what everybody has in their toolbox.”
Brown is only 24 and came into the league in 2019, so he’s not much older than Smith. But he does have a little more experience than Smith, who is entering his second season in the league.
Opposing defenses can’t be excited to play the Eagles next year, as Smith and Brown have the potential to be one of the better receiving duos in the NFL.
Brown has been one of the more productive wide receivers in the league since his rookie year in 2019. In three years with the Titans, he had 185 receptions for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner, caught 64 passes for five touchdowns and 916 yards during his rookie campaign in 2021. His targets should only increase with opposing defenses having to keep a close eye on Brown.
If Jalen Hurts improves his game, the Eagles have the ingredients for a high-scoring offense and a team that is talented enough to return to the playoffs.
Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacts in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Former Nevada quarterback Carson Strong went undrafted over the weekend in large part because of chronic knee issues, but the Philadelphia Eagles were more than happy to see every team pass on him.
The Eagles signed Strong to a contract after the conclusion of the draft on Saturday. They made an aggressive offer, too. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, the deal is one of the largest ever for an undrafted free agent.
The #Eagles gave Carson Strong a $20,000 signing bonus and $300,000 base guarantee — one of the largest guarantees ever for an undrafted free agent. A dozen teams pursued Strong after he went undrafted because of concerns about his knee. https://t.co/1NpmB7vWX5
Strong was one of the most efficient passers in the country during his three seasons as a starter at Nevada. He completed 70 percent of his passes and ranked second in the nation with 74 touchdown passes during that span. Strong’s 347.9 pass yards per game over three seasons ranked fifth in the country.
In a draft where only one quarterback was taken in the first two rounds, Strong never heard his name called. He has a condition called osteochondritis dissecans, which impacts the cartilage in the knee. Strong has undergone multiple knee surgeries and had several cleanup procedures.
The Eagles are committed to Jalen Hurts and have Gardner Minshew as a backup. No undrafted free agent is ever a lock to make the roster, but they obviously believe Strong has a solid chance to contribute in the NFL.
Dec 20, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) talks with teammates on the bench during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
AJ Brown is on the move, and the Philadelphia Eagles pried him loose without paying a huge price.
The Eagles acquired Brown from the Titans for a first-round pick (No. 18) and third-round pick (No. 101).
That’s not at all a bad price for a receiver with a pair of 1,000-yard seasons and 24 career receiving touchdowns in three years.
Why would Tennessee give up a young, talented receiver for a first and third-round pick?
Brown was among the receivers who were planning to skip offseason workouts in search of a new contract. So not only do you have to give up draft picks to get Brown, but then you have to pay him big money.
That’s what the Eagles are doing: giving Brown a 4-year, $100 million deal.
Philly struck it nicely with their pick of DeVonta Smith in the first round last year (No. 10 overall). But they missed on JJ Arcega-Whiteside in 2019 and Jalen Raegor in 2020. Now they will have a very strong duo for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Tennessee meanwhile got to work in replacing Brown by drafting former Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks in the first round.
