Eagles Moving Toward Carson Wentz Trade?

Another big quarterback domino could be falling soon. Eagles-Carson Wentz news continues to move, and multiple NFL sources informed Les Bowen and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer that the team is close to trading the quarterback.

The Eagles have been taking calls on Wentz, who remains unhappy with the organization. The hiring of Nick Sirianni as head coach did not change the dynamic to the point the quarterback would want to stay in Philly, according to Bowen and McLane.

While the Eagles would incur a record $33.8MM in dead money (for a single contract) if they traded Wentz, the acquiring team would not be put in that sort of financially disadvantageous position. Although Wentz’s value has nosedived after a rough 2020 season, a team that trades for him would have him under contract for $47.2MM guaranteed over the next two seasons before making a choice on moving forward with him. Wentz, 28, is signed through the 2024 season.

The Eagles owe Wentz a $10MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2021 league year. If a trade were to happen, it would be best for the organization for it to occur before that date. Offers have already come in for the five-year veteran.

Colts GM Chris Ballard said the franchise was looking into “lots of options” at quarterback. The Colts are projected to have the second-most cap space in the league — more than $60MM — and saw Philip Rivers retire recently. Jacoby Brissett is a free agent. Wentz has ties to ex-Eagles OC Frank Reich and remains close with Press Taylor, a longtime Philly assistant whom the Colts intend to hire.

The Bears, Panthers, 49ers, Broncos, Patriots and Washington were also involved in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. Chicago, which interestingly has ex-Wentz backup-turned-Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles under contract for 2021, has former Eagles QBs coach John DeFilippo on staff. Though the Eagles do have a QB trade history with Washington, having sent Donovan McNabb to their NFC East rivals in 2010, Wentz-to-D.C. is probably a non-starter.

Were the Eagles to move Wentz to one of the non-NFC East quarterback-seeking teams, they have Jalen Hurts under contract through 2023 and would have the No. 6 overall pick and likely more high draft capital to pursue another passer if so inclined.

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