The Sportsletter - The Hurts Bag 💰

BY JEFF YODER

APR. 18, 2023 |  SUBSCRIBE  |  REFER  |  WEB VIEW

Good Morning,

A record-setting contract, the Boston Marathon and a full night of playoff action? Monday brought the sports news in droves. We’ll start with the new largest annual salary in NFL history. That’s a lot of cheesesteaks…

Letter Rip!

NFL

Hurts' Big Bag 💰

Photo: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Becomes Highest-Paid Player in NFL History With 5-Year Extension

Move over, NFL quarterbacks. There’s a new highest-paid player in league history. The Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts agreed to terms on a 5-year, $255 million extension on Monday morning that gives the 24-year-old Super Bowl runner-up the highest-paid annual salary value in NFL history. Yes, Patrick Mahomes got a bigger overall deal, but Hurts just broke the bank at $51 million per year. Here are some of the bullet points from the bank-busting contract that keeps the Eagles star QB in Philly through 2028.

Hurts Contract Details

The deal includes $179.3 million guaranteed — the largest amount of guaranteed money the Eagles have ever given a player — and the first no-trade clause in Eagles franchise history.

Hurts Star-Status Ascension

Forget projections. Hurts has already arrived. The 53rd overall pick in the 2020 draft has exceeded expectations in his first three seasons. He supplanted Carson Wentz and stole the starting job before making major improvements last season, leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. He finished MVP runner-up with 43 total touchdowns and brought Philly within three points of their second Lombardi Trophy. He’s 23-11 as a starter in the last two seasons, including a 14-1 mark in 2022.

NFL’s Highest Annual Contracts

1. QB Jalen Hurts (PHI): $51 Million / Year

2. QB Aaron Rodgers (GB): $50.3 Million / Year

3. QB Russell Wilson (DEN): $48.5 Million / Year

4. QB Kyler Murray (ARI): $46.1 Million / Year

5. QB Deshaun Watson (CLE): $46 Million / Year

6. QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): $45 Million / Year

*Mahomes’ deal is the largest overall (10 years, $450 million)

Philly just locked up their guy, but three more young star quarterbacks are awaiting similar extensions. Joe Burrow (Bengals), Justin Herbert (Chargers) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens) could be the next contracts to bust the market. For now, the Eagles have their future secured.

Additional Storylines

SI: Eagles Were Smart to Give Jalen Hurts Record Contract Extension Early

USA Today: Winners & Losers of Jalen Hurts Record Contract Include 2020 Draft Mates

CBS Sports: What Jalen Hurts Extension Means for Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow & Justin Herbert

RUNNING

Kenya Sweeps Boston Marathon

Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

Evans Chebet & Hellen Obiri Win 127th Boston Marathon on 10-Year Anniversary of Bombing

A cold and rainy morning in Boston may have slowed some potentially record-setting times, but it didn’t stop the most prominent road race in the United States from celebrating and remembering tradition. A pair of Kenyans swept the honors for the third consecutive year with Evans Chebet (2:05:54) and Hellen Obiri (2:21:38) winning the men’s and women’s races, respectively. Chebet was a repeat winner after winning it in 2022. He out-paced Eliud Kipchoge (6th) — the world record holder and the greatest marathoner of all-time. Marcel Hug (men) and Susannah Scaroni (women) won the wheelchair divisions.

10th Anniversary of 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing

This year’s race was particularly special because it marked the 10-year anniversary of the bombing that killed three people and injured dozens more. Red Sox Hall of Famer and Boston legend David Ortiz served as the Grand Marshal for the special occasion.

Another Kenya sweep, and “Boston Strong” remains full of strength in the 127th race.

Results & Highlights From 2023 Boston Marathon

Additional Storylines

NY Times: The Meaning of the Boston Marathon Finish Line, Then & Now

AP News: David Ortiz Reflects on Speech Given After Boston Marathon Bombing

USA Today: Evans Chebet & Hellen Obiri Win 127th Boston Marathon

NBA PLAYOFFS

Kings Doin' Things

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Kings & 76ers Take 2-0 Series Leads Over Warriors & Nets

Two down, two to go! The 3-seeds are hot to open the NBA Playoffs after Monday night’s doubleheader where the Kings and 76ers opened up 2-0 series leads over the Warriors and Nets, respectively. Brooklyn looks dead in the water, but we know Golden State can turn the tide at home. Here’s the rundown from last night with a trio of games on the docket this evening.

#3 76ers def. #6 Nets (96-84)

The 76ers went up 2-0 on the Nets in a defensive battle during Monday’s early game. Philly trailed by five at halftime before outscoring Brooklyn by 17 in the second half. Joel Embiid (20-19-7-3) had a monster night with 19 boards and three blocks, but Game 2 was the Tyrese Maxey game. The Kentucky product went for 33 points, including six 3s. The Sixers dominated the glass (56-33), and Brooklyn’s first-round chances look bleak. PHI Leads Series (2-0)

#3 Kings def. #6 Warriors (114-106)

The Kings lit the beam once more to hand the defending champs a 2-0 series hole. Game 2 was another tight one until the final minutes. Domantas Sabonis (24-9-4) and De’Aaron Fox (24-9-5-4) were the catalysts for Sacramento. Golden State’s big three — Klay Thompson (21), Andrew Wiggins (22) and Steph Curry (28) — combined for 71, but it wasn’t enough to outlast the Kings. The Warriors have been notorious for road losses and dominating play at home, so we’ll see if the series swings back even after two games in the Bay. SAC Leads Series (2-0)

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 2: #7 Hawks at #2 Celtics (7:00 pm ET)

Gm 2: #5 Knicks at #4 Cavaliers (7:30 pm ET)

Gm 2: #5 Clippers at #4 Suns (10:00 pm ET)

Additional Storylines

The Ringer: The Biggest Question for Every NBA First-Round Series

B/R: Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

NHL PLAYOFFS

Game 1s Go Wild

Photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images

Bruins, Hurricanes, Wild & Kings Take Game 1s in Wild Opening Night of Stanley Cup Playoffs

Are you not entertained? The Stanley Cup Playoffs began with a bang on Monday night as four games were decided by five total goals with three total overtimes. The Bruins were the only dominating winners. The Hurricanes put the clamps on the Islanders. The Kings rallied to swipe Game 1 from the Oilers in overtime courtesy of Alex Iafallo. And The Wild and Stars needed double-OT before Ryan Hartman corralled a loose puck in front of the net for Minnesota. Four more tonight? Yes, please.

Stanley Cup Playoff Highlights

Gm 1: Bruins def. Panthers (3-1)

Gm 1: Hurricanes def. Islanders (2-1)

Gm 1: Wild def. Stars (3-2, 2OT)

Gm 1: Kings def. Oilers (4-3, OT)

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 1: Rangers at Devils (7:00 pm ET)

Gm 1: Lightning at Maple Leafs (7:30 pm ET)

Gm 1: Jets at Golden Knights (9:30 pm ET)

Gm 1: Kraken at Avalanche (10:00 pm ET)

Additional Storylines

B/R: Updated Stanley Cup Playoff Odds for All 16 Teams

NHL: 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs 1st-Round Predictions

MLB

MLB Quick-Hitters

Braves Win 7th Straight: The Braves are supplanting the Rays with MLB’s next massive win streak. Atlanta blanked San Diego (2-0) to win its seventh straight behind five scoreless innings from Max Fried.

Pirates Pop Off for 14 Runs: Don’t look now, but the Pirates are suddenly 10-7. Pittsburgh handed Colorado a beatdown (14-3) thanks to Mark Mathias (4-for-5, 2 RBIs) and Andrew McCutcheon (2-for-6, 1 HR).

Cubs Ring 10 on A’s: The Cubs were big winners (10-1) over the A’s Monday night behind a 2-HR night from Patrick Wisdom and a 5-hit performance by Cody Bellinger.

THE STORYLINES

🏈 CFB Coaches Under Pressure

Pressure weighs down on college football coaches in this era more than any other time in the sport's history. These seven coaches have the weight of the world on their shoulders entering the 2023 season. (CBS Sports)

🏀 Fan Angst for NBA Playoff Teams

When the NBA playoffs roll around, we’re often asking which players have the most pressure on them or have the most to lose with a disappointing exit. Today, we're asking which fan base will be the most upset if their team flames out early? (Sports Illustrated)

⚽️ USWNT World Cup Storylines

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is officially under 100 days away, and the U.S. Women’s National Team is riding an eight-match win streak as the four-time champions prepare to defend their 2019 title this July in Australia and New Zealand. (NBC Sports)

📰 THE HEADLINES

• Heat’s Tyler Herro to Miss Multiple Weeks After Suffering Broken Hand (FOX Sports)

• Fernando Tatis Jr. Continues Torching Minor League Pitchers in Preparation for Padres Return (USA Today)
• Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins Shares 2 Super Bowl Contenders He’d Like to Play For (CBS Sports)
• Chinese Basketball Teams Kicked Out of Playoffs for Fixing Matches (Yahoo! Sports)
• Clippers’ Russell Westbrook Altercation With Fan Investigated by Suns (B/R)
• Jacksonville State Football Commit Dies in Mass Shooting (SI)
• Twins & Right-Hander Pablo Lopez Agree to 4-Year, $73.5 Million Extension (ESPN)

📊 READER POLL

Question of the Day

Which upcoming quarterback contract do you think will surpass Jalen Hurts’ $51 million per year deal? (click to vote)

Please consider supporting The Sportsletter, an independently operated and bootstrapped publication, and you'll receive our exclusive Sunday edition. Many thanks to everyone who already supports us!

Writer & Editor: Jeff Yoder

Product Manager: Matthew Cahill

Lead Designer: Joe Stella

Did Someone Forward You This Email? Subscribe Here
Feedback? Contact Our Editor: Jeff@TheSportsletter.com
Not Loving The Letter? Unsubscribe
Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Copyright © 2023 The Sportsletter
717 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103