Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, April 25, 6:02 AM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has finished as the fantasy QB9 or better in each of the past five seasons, but even with a Super Bowl victory in 2024, there is mounting pressure on the seventh-year veteran to show more as a professional passer. While Hurts still has three years left on the extension he signed back in 2023, the deal includes no guaranteed money after the upcoming 2026 season, and the team is rumored to be looking for improvement both on the field and as a leader before further investing in him. While it seems nearly inevitable that the Eagles will move on from A.J. Brown after June 1st, they have made significant steps to fill the void his absence will leave. After acquiring Marquise Brown and Dontayvion Wicks via free agency and trade, the team spent its first two picks on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and pass-catching Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. Both players led their teams in targets in 2025 and, along with DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley, will provide Hurts with playmakers at all levels of the field. Hurts' 421 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and 39 first downs on the ground in 2025 were the lowest since his rookie season, but the spacing created by Philadelphia's revamped crop of pass-catchers could open lanes to reinvigorate that element of his game. Having already shown the ability to be a league-winner, his new surrounding cast and an expected sense of urgency could help to make the 27-year-old Hurts a smart buy at his current price of RotoBaller's dynasty QB6.