Hurts also led NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards with 784, and he also had 10 TDs on the ground. Combine that with his 16 touchdowns throwing against 9 INTs, and his totals of 26 TDs against 9 interceptions is comparable in every way to Wentz.
You can also make a case that Hurts’ potential was why the Eagles weren’t getting Wilson, either.
Sure, it’s possible that Wilson, who has a no-trade clause, wasn’t coming after he said last week on NBC’s “Today” show that he preferred playing out west.
Still, Washington reportedly offered three first-round picks for Wilson, and the Eagles certainly had the draft and player capital to outbid both the Commanders and Broncos.
After all, the Eagles have three first-round picks this year, plus they could have offered left tackle Andre Dillard and another player.
Instead, the Eagles kept the flexibility with the draft picks, along with the salary cap space to improve multiple positions.
That will be evident when the Eagles’ make the Colts’ pick at No. 16, presumably for a defensive end, They already used the third-round pick last year from the Colts to move up two spots for DeVonta Smith.
And finally…
The Eagles will have even more flexibility when Kelce makes his return official, which should be soon.
Kelce went on SportsRadio 94WIP on Wednesday morning and continued to drop hints about playing a 12th season.
“I’m playing until I’m not,” Kelce said. “I’m an active player for the Philadelphia Eagles right now. I love my teammates. I love playing in the city. When it’s time to step away, I’ll make that abundantly clear.”
Think about it. Kelce is 34 years old. He’s already won a Super Bowl, played through countless nagging injuries. He has made a ton of money. He could easily retire and no one would bat an eye.
So what does it say about Hurts that Kelce will likely return?
Just to make sure, “Nick from South Philly” called in to beg Kelce to return.
That was really Sirianni, who last week said he had a keg of beer delivered to Kelce’s house. Kelce confirmed receipt on the radio show.
Then offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland called in to see if he can top Sirianni’s gift.
But really, all it should take is a contract restructure for Kelce to return. That will likely lower Kelce’s salary cap hit for 2022 and 2023, while giving him some additional years of guaranteed money.
With Kelce back, coming off his fourth Pro Bowl season, the Eagles will return a dominant offensive line.
Wentz, meanwhile, is on his third team in three seasons. He will face the Eagles twice next season, no doubt wishing he could play behind a line like the Eagles’ that’s expected to provide protection for Hurts, not to mention lanes to run through.
And maybe Wentz’s new teammates will respect him the way the Eagles respect Hurts.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
