QB Jalen Hurts relishing 'opportunity' to lead improving Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains the Eagles' starting quarterback following an offseason full of speculation surrounding his position, and sounded confident in his standing while speaking with reporters Wednesday.

«It's understood. It's my opportunity, it's my team,» he said, when asked about the public backing from general manager Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni in recent weeks. «It's my team, so we're ready to go.»

Holding three first-round picks entering April's draft, the Eagles appeared as well positioned as any team to go after a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson via trade, and did their homework on both QBs before they landed in Denver and Cleveland, respectively. It's still in question whether the Eagles are committed to Hurts long-term. They traded one of their first-rounders to the New Orleans Saints in a deal that netted them a first-round pick in 2023, which is expected to boast a quality quarterback class.

Hurts said «that's stuff that you all talk about. Everything is good over here,» though teammate Brandon Graham indicated that Hurts has heard the noise.

«Of course, it probably gets to him...but I feel like he's mature enough to be able to handle that if that's what's happening because he hasn't shown me that he's worried about too much of anything other than just trying to prove you all wrong,» Graham said.

The addition of receiver A.J. Brown should help in that effort. The Eagles acquired Brown from the Tennessee Titans for a first and third-round pick on Thursday. Brown said Hurts put a «bug in [the Eagles'] ear» to try and trade for him. Hurts and Brown are close friends and now teammates for the first time.

«He's always been an excellent player since I've