The Philadelphia Eagles spent the last two seasons riding the high of a Super Bowl run while navigating growing expectations around their franchise quarterback.
The conversation around Jalen Hurts has shifted after a Wild Card exit in 2025 and offseason rumblings about offensive control. It is not just analysts asking questions. It is opponents and former stars taking public shots.
Lavonte David, Charles Omenihu Take Aim at Jalen Hurts’ ‘Elite’ Status
Jalen Hurts
Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The latest criticism surfaced when recently retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David and Washington Commanders defensive end Charles Omenihu both downplayed Hurts’ standing among elite quarterbacks. Their comments followed an ESPN report detailing internal concerns about Hurts’ influence over the offense.
Oh Boy: Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu and former Bucs LB Lavonte David ROASTS Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, refusing to call him an elite quarterback.
"First thing, you gotta stop Saquon. Second thing, stop Saquon. A lot of guys on top the list before him."
😳😳😳pic.twitter.com/3IZIoPLopk
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 10, 2026
David’s remarks reflect a defensive blueprint Tampa Bay used effectively. The Buccaneers hold a 4-2 edge over Hurts in his career, including a playoff win after the 2023 season. The approach was to contain the run, force Hurts into tight-window reads, and test his processing.
Omenihu echoed that sentiment more bluntly, suggesting the Eagles’ offensive threat starts elsewhere, specifically with Saquon Barkley and not with Hurts as a pure passer.
That criticism lands at a sensitive moment. According to ESPN, Hurts had increasing control over play-calling in 2025, even overriding offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo at key moments. The fallout was significant. Philadelphia replaced Patullo with Sean Mannion, and trade chatter around wide receiver A.J. Brown has only amplified concerns.
None of this erases Hurts’ résumé. The Alabama product is a Super Bowl LIX champion and MVP and remains under contract through 2028. His deal carries a potential $67 million dead cap hit if traded after the 2026 season.
Perception matters in the NFL. When respected defenders like David question whether Hurts belongs in the top tier, it shapes how opponents prepare and how front offices evaluate long-term direction.
Philadelphia now faces a defining stretch. The Eagles must modernize their offense under Mannion while ensuring Hurts evolves within it. If that balance clicks, the criticism fades fast.
That is the reality of playing QB in today’s NFL. Winning buys time. Sustained dominance earns respect. Hurts is caught somewhere in between, and the league is taking notice.