It didn’t take long for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to say that quarterback Jalen Hurts will be the starting quarterback in 2022.
“We wanted to see him take the bull by the horn, and he certainly did that,” Roseman said Wednesday as he and head coach Nick Sirianni wrapped up the season.
He was then asked if that’s a yes answer as to whether Hurts will be the QB.
Here, Roseman responded “Yes.”
With that, here are five takeaways from the season-ending press conference:
1. Why Jalen Hurts will start in 2022
Of course, on Jan. 19, it’s easy to say that Hurts will be the starting quarterback.
The offseason hasn’t begun, and there is always the possibility that the Eagles could either trade for a quarterback such as Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson, or even possibly pool their three first-round picks for a quarterback in the draft.
But Roseman also made it clear that is not something he’s considering.
“Those assets that you talk about allow us to continue to build,” Roseman said. “It really helps us to add good players to this team … and surround (Hurts) with really good players.”
Then Roseman added: “It’s our job to look at everything.”
2. What about Jalen Reagor?
Roseman didn’t mince any words when it came to wide receiver Jalen Reagor, the 2020 first-round pick who had a second straight disappointing season. Reagor had just 33 catches for 299 yards in the regular season, similar to his rookie year production of 31 catches for 396 yards.
Reagor also fumbled away a punt in the 31-15 loss to the Buccaneers in the wildcard round of the playoffs on Sunday.
Roseman, of course, took Reagor over Justin Jefferson, who went with the next pick to the Vikings. Jefferson set an NFL record for receiving yards in the first two seasons of a career with 3,016 yards.
“As we head into Year 3 (for Reagor), we expected more from Jalen at this point,” Roseman said. “We had the chance to sit down with him after the season and have an honest conversation about the things he needs to develop.”
Sirianni added that he looks at DeVonta Smith as a true No. 1 receiver. But he said that he likes Quez Watkins as a No. 2 and that Reagor could be a good No. 3.
That doesn’t mean it’ll shake out that way when the season starts, with the possibility of adding free agents or trading for a top receiver.
“Are we going to add talent and playmakers?” Sirianni asked. “Of course.”
3. Eagles still building
The Eagles aren’t satisfied with making the playoffs in Year 1 under head coach Nick Sirianni.
Sure, it was an accomplishment to make the playoffs, especially after a 2-5 start. But Roseman said the goal is to become an elite team, with home playoff games as opposed to getting in as the final seed and having to travel.
4. Strategy with first-round picks
Roseman said something interesting about the Eagles’ three first-round picks. For the record, those picks are No. 15 overall (from Indianapolis), No. 16 (from Miami) and No. 19 (their own):
Roseman said it’s possible that he could trade one of those first-round picks for a first-rounder in 2023.
5. What about stalwart veterans?
In October, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox admitted that the Eagles looked into trading him.
Roseman wouldn’t definitively say that Cox, who’s coming off one of his worst seasons with just 3 1/2 sacks, will be back. But he also praised Cox.
“We’ll communicate with our players, will have honest communication,” Roseman said regarding the possibility of trade talks. “Fletch has been a big part of our success.”
As for right guard Brandon Brooks, there were reports that Brooks will retire. Brooks suffered a pectoral muscle strain in Week 2 and didn’t return. Roseman wouldn’t say if the reports are true, but did say the goal was to make sure that Brooks is healthy.
Roseman was more definitive on defensive end Brandon Graham returning. Graham tore his Achilles in Week 2 and missed the rest of the season. Graham will turn 34 in April.
Check back here for more on this developing story.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
