Outside of the Trent Dilfers of the world, rarely do we see a second-year quarterback earn greater praise than someone only two years removed from winning a Super Bowl.
Welcome to the Jaxson Dart vs. Jalen Hurts era.
Hurts has been a target of criticism throughout the offseason, with his leadership and long-term viability as a franchise quarterback sowing doubt among the football world.
NFL Media’s Chad Reuter went one step further, subtly arguing that teams have a better chance to win with Dart than they do with Hurts.
Explaining the Jalen Hurts vs. Jaxson Dart argument
Reuter recently did a seven-round mock draft, building a win-now roster for each team based on the player’s 2026 outlook.
Dart went No. 40 to the Bears, with Hurt going two picks later to the Eagles. They were the 19th and 20th quarterbacks selected.
Dart’s place isn’t overly concerning, nor should it be perceived as an insult. He’s a second-year quarterback with 12 starts under his belt. If Reuter does this exercise next year, the goal should be for Dart to go in the first round.
Taking Dart over Hurts, though, is extremely interesting — and it should speak volumes on how the NFL community currently views Hurts.
Put bias aside, and ask yourself who you’d trust more this season: Dart and his injury risks, or Hurts, who is durable but arguably a system quarterback whose weaknesses became apparent last season?
The difference between an above-average quarterback and a great one is their ability to properly elevate a team. Look no further than Dak Prescott, who has never even reached the NFC Championship Game.
Dart showed enough as a rookie to generate legitimate hype that he can be at least above average. Along the way, he earned rave reviews for his maturity and enthusiasm.
Compare that to Hurts, who often looks like he’s going through the motions. He’s a fine starter who benefited from the Tush Push and a perennially disappointing NFC East.
The cracks in Hurts’ armor have only become more pronounced this offseason. Not even a Super Bowl title has been enough to satisfy Eagles’ fans, and understandably so.
Hurts shouldn’t be in the Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson tier, but it’s nonetheless telling that Reuter would rather build around the injury-prone Brock Purdy, who went No. 31 to the Patriots.
Talk about an insult, albeit a justified one.
Hurts has the ultimate laugh on most of his competition, though, having won a Super Bowl as a starting quarterback. Only Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, and Sam Darnold can also claim that among active starters.
Credit to Reuter, though, for focusing far more on context and reality than a Super Bowl ring.
Considering some of the other national media coverage involving Dart and the Giants, Reuter’s perspective is a welcome change.
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