NFL Playoffs 2024: As Eagles Contemplate ‘Misfiring’ Jalen Hurts’ Bumper Contract, Bucs’ Baker Mayfield Steps Up for 7-Figure Payday

The Philadelphia Eagles have traveled to Raymond James Stadium for their NFL playoffs 2024 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On the one hand, Jalen Hurts’ decline in performance is making headlines in the league; on the other hand, Baker Mayfield is winning hearts with his career resurgence this season. Additionally, there is a significant difference in the contracts of these quarterbacks.

In April, the Eagles and Hurts agreed on a five-year, $255 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. However, the franchise might rethink the quarterback’s bumper contract, as the Eagles are arguably on a subpar status. At the same time, Hurts’ upcoming opponent is bouncing up to get what he deserves.

Is Jalen Hurts worth the contract?

The Eagles agreed to a significant contract extension of $255 million for four years. The contract included substantial guarantees, with $110 million guaranteed at signing and $126.5 million fully guaranteed by March 2024. Besides making him the highest-paid player, this deal also marked the first time the Eagles have granted a no-trade clause, showcasing their confidence in the young QB. Additionally, this contract ensures financial stability for Hurts, with a $23.294 million signing bonus and $64 million through the first new year in 2024. This commitment from the Eagles secures Hurts for the next six years, maintaining flexibility to build a competitive team around him.

Despite this positive development and the franchise’s hope, the team has faced challenges this season, losing five out of their last six games. During this period, Hurts has also struggled because of injuries, failing to score more than 20 points in those losses, even with over 20 passing attempts. This raises questions about the wisdom of the franchise’s decision to award him a lucrative contract, especially considering his subpar performance, with just one more touchdown than the previous year.

So, whether his lucrative deal is worth his 2023 performance, the Bucs QB Baker Mayfield’s contract is arguably worth it as he stepped up to gain a heavy incentive.

Baker Mayfield earned big!

In 2018, Baker Mayfield, the first overall pick, faced disappointment with the Browns and moved on after five seasons. After a stint with three franchises in 2022, he joined the Bucs on a one-year deal, taking over from the retired Tom Brady. This decision proved fruitful, securing the Bucs’ postseason spot. Mayfield’s success earned him an additional $1.9 million, adding to his $4 million contract.

The deal included incentives tied to playing time and performance metrics. By the Week 18 game, he had already earned $1 million for playing time. And now, making it to the playoffs has doubled his playing time incentives. Additionally, Mayfield had bonuses for ranking in passing categories. He met the criteria by finishing in the Top 10 in touchdowns (28), passing yards (3,907), and passer rating in the NFL (95.9).

Read more: “I Came Here To Win”: Baker Mayfield Breaks Silence on His NFL Future After Being Snubbed as QB1 by Carolina Panthers

Mayfield’s tremendous performance would surely pinch the team to keep him for the upcoming seasons, with some bumpers.

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