Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or Michael Penix Jr.

Friday, January 16, 8:08 PM

NFL sources familiar with the Philadelphia Eagles' organizational mindset think that they might draft a quarterback this spring, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. Current QB Jalen Hurts, who has three years remaining on his five-year, $255 million extension, likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon, especially given owner Jeffrey Lurie's regard for him. After winning Super Bowl MVP honors a year ago, Hurts has been the source of much internal frustration, including from teammates other than receiver A.J. Brown. The 27-year-old ran the ball less in 2025, lessening his impact as a dual threat, and he also has limitations because of his lack of willingness to operate under center, an aversion to pre-snap motion, an inability to make quick post-snap reads, and a reluctance to try intermediate and in-breaking passes. Silver suggests that Hurts needs to be "pushed beyond his comfort zone," which could be done by drafting a QB and with a new voice at offensive coordinator.

Tuesday, February 3, 10:56 AM

Atlanta Falcons president of football Matt Ryan was non-committal on Tuesday to Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being the team's starting quarterback in 2026, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a torn left ACL last November and is currently recovering after having surgery. He is expected to be out anywhere from nine to 12 months. The 25-year-old completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine games in 2025 in his first full year as the starter, with the Falcons going 3-6 in his starts. Penix was the eighth overall pick out of Washington in 2024. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has been complimentary of Penix since taking the job, but his health and status as the starter will be a big question mark going into training camp and the start of the 2026 regular season this fall. Penix's fantasy stock is down, and his lengthy injury history -- he's torn his ACL three times -- is a big reason why.