The Philadelphia Eagles traded for a backup quarterback this offseason. The former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick and starter is impressing NFL beat writers during OTAs. He could be giving Eagles’ starting quarterback Jalen Hurts some motivation before training camp.
Jalen Hurts is the Philadelphia Eagles QB1
Hurts isn’t in jeopardy of losing his job. He nearly won the NFL MVP for the 2022 season and actually threw for more passing yards last season than he did in 2022. However, Hurts also threw nine more interceptions for the 2023 season than he did in 2022.
The Eagles improved at QB2
The Eagles improved their backup quarterback situation this offseason when they let Marcus Mariota leave in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders. The Eagles traded for former Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett was ready for a new home after the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in March.
Pickett didn’t like how the Steelers handled Wilson’s signing, essentially guaranteeing Wilson would be the QB1 in September. Pickett doesn’t have much of a chance to start with the Eagles either, but that doesn’t mean he won’t give it everything he has.
Kenny Pickett is impressing in OTAs
According to Ed Kracz with Eagles Today in his “overreactions” column, Pickett outperformed Hurts during OTA drills this week:
“The backup quarterback looked sharp, sharper than Jalen Hurts, to be honest. Hurts was on the money on his first two seven-on-seven throws, hitting A.J. Brown on a quick inside slant then following up with a nice sideline throw about 15 yards downfield. Pickett, though, was consistently on target. The Eagles can win games with him if something happens to Hurts”
Again, Pickett isn’t going to win the QB1 job in training camp. However, the Eagles fanbase should feel secure knowing they have one of the better backup quarterback situations in the league for the upcoming season.
