Pederson: Wentz can still 'be an exceptional QB in this league'

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson still believes Carson Wentz has a bright future in the NFL despite his decision to turn to Jalen Hurts for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

"I think Carson Wentz can be an exceptional quarterback in this league. He's proven that," Pederson said Wednesday, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "Just get back to being Carson Wentz, back on track. That's my focus with him."

Wentz was benched during Philadelphia's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers after the latest in a long line of poor performances. The former No. 2 overall pick - who leads the league with 15 interceptions - managed just 79 yards on 15 attempts, forcing Pederson to insert Hurts into the game.

The second-round rookie provided a spark against the Packers. He threw one touchdown, racked up 109 yards through the air, and added another 29 yards on the ground. Hurts also had one interception.

With 3-8-1 Philadelphia likely needing to win out to catch the 5-7 New York Giants and 5-7 Washington Football Team in the NFC East, Pederson announced Monday that Hurts will replace Wentz for Sunday's contest.

The spotlight will now turn to the former Heisman finalist, who starred at Alabama and Oklahoma before the Eagles surprisingly selected him in April.

Hurts was lauded for his professionalism and maturity as he dealt with a roller-coaster college career, and Pederson wants the rookie to use those traits to help smooth the transition from Wentz.

"Just go out there this week and, obviously, take control of the huddle," Pederson said. "And just lead, lead the way he knows how. ... That's my message to him: 'Be Jalen Hurts. Do the things you can do.'"

While the Eagles are possibly switching to Hurts for the rest of the campaign, the team is likely married to Wentz for at least one more season.

Wentz inked a four-year, $128-million extension last year. Philadelphia would incur an unworkable $59.2-million dead-money cap hit by cutting the quarterback this offseason.