Jalen Hurts faces big changes as Sean Mannion's offense takes shape in 2026

Jalen Hurts is stepping into a new era with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026. The two-time Pro Bowler must adjust to Sean Mannion’s offense, which relies almost entirely on under-center snaps and heavy pre-snap motion. The change comes after Hurts posted strong numbers in 2025 but faced questions about his maturity this offseason.

What’s different for Jalen Hurts in 2026?

Most NFL quarterbacks operate from shotgun or pistol, but Mannion’s system flips the script. Hurts has spent roughly 75% of his Eagles career in shotgun, including during the team’s Super Bowl LIX run. Now, he’ll need to master reading defenses from under center, a setup that limits his field vision. The adjustment starts with center Cam Jurgens, who will snap to Hurts instead of the usual shotgun setups.

Mannion has already outlined his plan to Hurts during offseason workouts. “It’s been a really good process so far,” Hurts said during OTAs. “He’s come in, and he’s very clear, giving good direction. You can definitely see the vision. Been able to answer all of my questions, very instructive, very helpful. So it’s been a very enjoyable journey so far.”

Why the Eagles’ offense depends on Hurts’ growth

The Eagles’ success hinges on Hurts’ ability to thrive in Mannion’s system. In 2025, Hurts completed 65% of his passes, threw for 3,224 yards, and tossed just six interceptions. But whispers about his leadership surfaced this offseason, adding pressure to his seventh NFL campaign. Without offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo to deflect criticism, Hurts must prove he’s ready to lead this revamped group.

The roster around him is also shifting. A.J. Brown’s departure leaves a 1,003-yard hole in the receiving corps after Philadelphia traded him in June. The Eagles signed Hollywood Brown and drafted Makai Lemon in the first round, but Brown’s absence looms large. Hurts has relied on Brown in the red zone, and his return to sub-60% passing in 2022-before Brown joined-shows how critical elite receivers are to his game.

How Mannion’s system could reshape the Eagles’ attack

Mannion’s offenses have unlocked tight ends in the past, like Tucker Kraft’s breakout before his knee injury midseason with Green Bay. The Eagles hope to replicate that with Dallas Goedert, a Hurts favorite, and DeVonta Smith, still the team’s top receiver. More weapons could emerge as Mannion’s scheme takes shape, but the transition won’t be seamless.

Hurts’ comfort in shotgun has been a hallmark of his career, dating back to his Alabama days. Mannion’s reliance on under-center snaps and shifting formations demands a new level of adaptability. The change tests Hurts’ football IQ and forces him to process defenses faster, a skill that separates elite QBs from the rest.

*This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section.*