Dave Zangaro and Reuben Frank discuss the possibility of the Eagles acquiring a veteran QB this offseason. Is there any chance Jalen Hurts would be kept around as the backup?
Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro bring back Stay or Go in 2022, trying to figure out the futures of every Eagles player on the roster.
We already looked at receivers, cornerbacks, running backs, linebackers, defensive tackles, interior offensive line, specialists, offensive tackles, defensive ends and tight ends.
Up today: Quarterbacks.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Jalen Hurts
Roob: I’m still not totally convinced Hurts will be the opening-day starter, but I do think it’s likely. If Russell Wilson really does want to come here and the asking price is reasonable I can’t see Howie saying no. But another year of Hurts makes sense in a lot of ways, and I am curious how much better he can get in a second year in the same scheme – something he hasn’t had since playing for his dad in high school.
Verdict: Stays
Dave: While Hurts’ second season ended on a sour note in the playoffs, he did improve in 2021. Was it enough to think he’s the long-term franchise quarterback? Nah. But it’s at least enough to make it very likely that he’ll be the starter going into 2022. Hurts improved his completion percentage from 52% to 61.3% in 2021 but there’s still a lot of room for growth as a passer. I’m not sure where his ceiling is and I’m somewhat skeptical it’s going to be high enough for him to ever become an elite quarterback. But I still like a lot about Hurts and think the Eagles can build a winning team around him. That’s what their goal should be this offseason.
NFL
Verdict: Stays
Gardner Minshew
Roob: Minshew has one more year on his rookie contract, so the Eagles could keep him around. We know he’s a solid backup, and he doesn’t cost all that much. But I have a hunch the Eagles are going to trade him. We know Howie loves swapping quarterbacks, and I’ll bet Minshew can bring the Eagles a decent pick this summer. Who replaces him? Who knows. But the QB Factory always finds a way. Right?
Verdict: Goes
Dave: There’s a chance the Eagles will trade Minshew to some team that wants to give him a legitimate chance to start. But it would take a really good offer. Because the upside to keeping Minshew is the Eagles can make sure they have a very good backup quarterback in 2022. And Minshew’s base salary this season is still just $2.5 million, which isn’t bad for a backup of his caliber. The Eagles gave Joe Flacco a bigger contract last season. Sure, Minshew hasn’t been quiet about his desire to start but that can’t force the Eagles’ hand. They were a playoff team in 2021 and they needed Minshew to win a game in there to get that accomplished. Keeping him in 2022 makes sense unless they find another option and get offered something significant for Minshew.
Verdict: Stays
Reid Sinnett
Roob: I wish I could tell you whether Sinnett is any good, but who the heck knows. I have to admit I didn’t watch many San Diego Toreros games his one year as a starter. He’s never played in the NFL and he’s already a former Buccaneer and former Dolphin. He’s got nice size at 6-4, 225, and the Eagles liked him enough to keep him on the active roster all year, so why not?
Verdict: Stays
Dave: The Eagles brought in Sinnett as their third-stringer when they shipped Joe Flacco to the Jets and promoted Minshew into the backup role. Sinnett, who went undrafted out of San Diego in 2020, had been with the Dolphins on their practice squad. He caught the Eagles’ eye in the preseason with some impressive performances. At 6-4, 225, Sinnett has a big arm and has some tools. The Eagles could perhaps draft a quarterback in Day 3, which would likely mean the end for Sinnett. But for now, I have him on the roster.
Verdict: Stays
