In a surprising and bold move, Darius Slay, the Pro Bowl cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has sparked a massive debate in the NFL world after releasing his list of elite quarterbacks — and Jalen Hurts, his own quarterback, was noticeably absent. Slay’s list includes some of the biggest names in the game: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. While each of these quarterbacks has undeniably been among the top players in the league, Hurts’ omission has raised eyebrows, especially considering the incredible season he had with the Eagles.

The Elite List: Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, Lamar

Darius Slay, known for his sharp football IQ and candid takes, didn’t hold back when naming the top quarterbacks in the NFL. His list features some of the most accomplished and physically gifted QBs in the game today:

Patrick Mahomes: The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar and reigning Super Bowl MVP is widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL. His ability to make spectacular throws from virtually any angle, combined with his clutch performances in the postseason, has placed him at the top of almost every quarterback list.

Joe Burrow: The Cincinnati Bengals’ signal-caller has risen to superstardom quickly, thanks to his poise under pressure, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to lead his team in big moments. Burrow has already reached a Super Bowl and led his team to multiple deep playoff runs, earning him a spot among the elite.

Josh Allen: The Buffalo Bills’ quarterback is known for his incredible arm strength, mobility, and leadership. Allen has become a major threat both as a passer and a rusher, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

Lamar Jackson: The Baltimore Ravens’ dual-threat quarterback brings a completely different dimension to the position. Jackson’s ability to make defenders miss with his legs and throw from unconventional platforms has made him one of the most exciting players in the NFL.

Each of these quarterbacks has been at or near the top of league discussions in recent years, with MVP awards, playoff wins, and massive contracts to their names. There’s little debate about their spot among the NFL’s elite. But what’s raising eyebrows is who’s missing from the list.

The Omission: Jalen Hurts Left Off the Elite QB List

Darius Slay’s most notable omission was none other than Jalen Hurts, his own teammate and the quarterback who led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl just one year ago. Hurts had a career-defining season in 2022, finishing second in the MVP voting and leading the Eagles to the best record in the NFC. His performance in the Super Bowl, where he threw for over 300 yards and rushed for three touchdowns, was a testament to his growth as a player.

So why isn’t Hurts on Slay’s list of elite quarterbacks?

For many fans and analysts, Hurts’ exclusion is a tough pill to swallow. While Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, and Jackson have all had more years of success in the league, Hurts’ rapid rise over the past two seasons — capped off by his Super Bowl performance — has many people questioning why he’s not being considered in the same breath as these other quarterbacks.

Some have pointed out that Slay’s omission of Hurts might be a statement about the consistency and longevity of these quarterbacks. While Hurts has been excellent, especially in his breakout 2022 campaign, there may be a belief among some that his body of work isn’t as extensive as the other quarterbacks on the list. Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, and Lamar have all had several seasons of elite-level play, with Mahomes and Burrow even leading their teams to Super Bowl appearances and victories.

Others, however, argue that Hurts should be viewed as a legitimate member of the elite quarterback club, given his trajectory and ability to perform on the biggest stage. His leadership, poise, and ability to thrive in both the passing and running game make him a unique talent. After all, the Eagles were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL last season, and Hurts was the clear driving force behind their success.

What Does This Mean for Jalen Hurts?

For Hurts, the snub could serve as extra motivation heading into the new season. After all, Hurts has already overcome significant doubts in his career, from his college days at Alabama to being drafted by the Eagles in the second round in 2020. His work ethic and determination have been well-documented, and this slight could only fuel his desire to prove his doubters wrong.

For Hurts, being left off an elite QB list is hardly a new experience. But given his rise to superstardom over the last two years, this latest omission only adds fuel to the fire. Hurts will likely continue to work relentlessly to get better, and with the supporting cast around him in Philadelphia, another MVP-caliber season isn’t out of the question.

The Debate: Is Hurts Elite?

The question now is whether Hurts belongs in the elite QB conversation. There’s no doubt that Hurts has all the tools to be considered among the top quarterbacks in the NFL. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, football IQ, and mobility is rare. Add in his leadership qualities and ability to perform in clutch moments, and it’s hard to deny that Hurts is one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league today.

However, Slay’s decision to leave Hurts off his list reflects a larger debate happening across the NFL. Many analysts and former players have raised the point that Hurts still needs to consistently perform at a high level for several more seasons before he can be definitively placed in the conversation with the likes of Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, and Jackson. The fact remains that Hurts has only had one truly elite season — though it was certainly a memorable one.

Some argue that Hurts needs to prove himself more in the postseason, given that Mahomes and Burrow have already established themselves as regular playoff performers with deep runs. Others point to Hurts’ occasional inconsistency as a passer early in his career as a factor that needs to be addressed before he can be regarded as a consistent, elite force.

Conclusion: Slay’s Take Sparks Conversation, But Hurts’ Time Is Coming

While Darius Slay’s omission of Jalen Hurts from his list of elite quarterbacks may have raised some eyebrows, it’s also sparked a larger conversation about the current state of the NFL quarterback landscape. Hurts is undoubtedly one of the most talented and exciting quarterbacks in the league today, and it seems only a matter of time before he is firmly entrenched in the elite category — if not already.

As the NFL season progresses, it’s likely that Hurts will continue to perform at a high level, and by the end of the season, it’s possible that even the most skeptical observers will have to include him in the same breath as Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, and Lamar Jackson.