The 2023 off-season has brought forward a fact left in the background for most years. QB is one of the most lucrative positions on any NFL roster as proven by Jalen Hurts and co. earlier this year. Having signed a mammoth contract worth 255 million a couple of months ago, the Eagles man is in the top 5 for the highest contractual value.

Although he may not have the highest contract guaranteed when compared to Patrick Mahomes. Hurts earns more than the Chiefs‘ man when his contract is doubled to meet the same criteria as his rival. But money is not all that speaks in the NFL world, with Hurts some way behind Mahomes. Hurts may have him beat on the contract side of things, he is quite a step back on the pitch.

Jalen Hurts in the bottom half

In the latest rankings released by ESPN for the Top 10 QBs of 2023, Patrick Mahomes ranked at No. 1. He stood tall ahead of Joe Burrow and Josh Allen among others. While Jalen Hurts did not even make the top 5 in the list released. He may have jumped back in after remaining absent from last year’s rankings, but Hurts has quite some distance to cover.

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His 6th-placed ranking in the ESPN’s Top 10 is not his lowest recorded but is not his highest either. Since he has managed a 3rd place ranking in earlier editions of the list. This will rub salt on this year’s standing for Hurts as this would not be his sole loss to the Chief’s man in a competitive landscape.

Hurts has had to endure more than one loss to his rival and competitor this year. To add to the rankings released, it will only twist the knife in Hurts’ gut to remind him how far behind he continues to be.

Patrick Mahomes sets the standards

Jalen Hurts went up against Mahomes on two separate occasions this year. In addition to the battle for the top spot in ESPN’s rankings, Hurts was the contender for best NFL player alongside Mahomes. This eventually headed to the Chief’s captain on the night. Following this he added this award alongside the honor of best athlete at ESPY 2023.

The loss would add insult to injury as Hurts could have won it himself, had he won the Super Bowl earlier this year. Since Mahomes winnings at ESPY can be linked to the 2nd Super Bowl of his career. Hurts has incurred two significant defeats to Mahomes this year. The loss in the ESPN rankings will be the third ‘L’ he has to hold on to.

With the new season just weeks away, Hurts will hope for a change in fortunes. The first half of the year has not been kind to him so far. He may home that the second half of the year will bring a change of pace.

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