Philadelphia Eagles: Above all else, Jason Kelce’s return helps Jalen Hurts

According to Jason Kelce himself (via his Instagram), the 3x All-Pro center has agreed to a restructured contract to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles through the 2021 season. For the past two years or so, the possibility of retirement has loomed over Kelce’s head. He seems to at least ponder it each offseason, leaving the Eagles in a state of limbo when it comes to their starting center position.

Luckily for the Eagles, Kelce has decided that he has at least one more solid season left in him. The 33 year old had a particularly tough 2020, as he was the only offensive lineman from the initial starting lineup to actually last the entire season. He played alongside countless players, guys that he simply wasn’t used to operating alongside.

While the return of Kelce obviously has a positive trickle down effect on the entire Eagles organization (his veteran leadership will be much appreciated), it most specifically has a positive effect on the only quarterback currently on the roster: Jalen Hurts.

Kelce returning is a major “win” for Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.

Barring someone like Justin Fields or Zach Wilson falling to pick #6 come draft night, all signs point to Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni rocking with Hurts as their QB1 in 2021. Roseman obviously liked Hurts enough to draft him 53rd overall last offseason, and he did look like a promising prospect against the Saints and Cardinals this past season.

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While there’s still plenty to not like when it comes to Hurts’ overall ability to throw the football and consistently make reads, the fact that Kelce will be his starting center once more in 2021 is a major boost.

Not only is Kelce arguably the best center in all of football, but the relationship that a center has with the team’s offense is a special one. Centers play a key role when it comes to designating coverages and blitzes, and obviously the physical act of snapping the football to the quarterback is an important one.

Kelce had a well-documented strong relationship with both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles when they were the starting quarterback – that’s something that the Eagles would like to see continue with Hurts (at least for the upcoming season).

Hurts is fighting a bit of an uphill battle when it comes to solidifying himself as the Philadelphia Eagles next franchise quarterback. He’s playing under a new coaching staff, his weapons are below average, the front office is struggling to acquire talent, and there’s still that awkward stigma of being a second round pick (as opposed to a first-rounder).

However, Kelce coming back and anchoring down what should be an above average offensive line will ultimately make Hurts’ life far easier than most young quarterbacks. The returning core of Seumalo, Kelce, Brooks, and Lane Johnson is already the best offensive line that Hurts will likely ever get to play behind. I’m sure Jalen has already thanked Kelce for hanging around at least once this offseason.