Carson Wentz’s time at the Eagles is coming to an end, a person with knowledge of his trading market told NJ Advance Media on Monday.
“I think the ship sailed,” the person said. “I expect him to go (Monday) or (Tuesday).”
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According to the source, the belief around the league is that the trading market will come down to Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. While a third unknown team is believed to be in the mix, the source said the Bears and Colts are in the driver’s seat and that a deal is ‘close’.
Although there is a feeling that GM Howie Roseman is trying to drive up the market, the person said that Colts GM Chris Ballard and Ryan Bears, GM GM, still remained ‘disciplined’ during negotiations.
Wentz is familiar with both the coaching staff. He worked under Frank Reich, Colts head coach Mike Groh and wide receiving coach Press Taylor in Philadelphia. He also worked under Bears coach John DeFilippo at the Eagles.
Wentz and Taylor are particularly close. As NJ Advance Media reported last month, Taylor’s coaching approach with Wentz angered fellow coaches and players because they felt Taylor was “gentle” toward Wentz. While former colleagues praised Taylor both as a coach and Wentz as a quarterback, their close relationship was viewed negatively by their peers.
That said, maybe Taylor and Wentz will work better with the coach who no longer looks directly at the QB position. Wentz, who reportedly struggled with former head coach Doug Pederson last year, has built-in relationships and ease with three members of the Colts’ attacking staff. As Wentz considers his options, the Colts should be at the top of his list.
The Bears and DeFilippo can also provide Wentz with a clean slate. While the Bears still house Nick Foles, former Super Bowl MVP, on their scoring stick, Chicago is unlikely to keep Wentz and Foles together, given their dynamics in Philly. Foles might be included in a Wentz deal, as he could serve as a backup or competition for second-year QB Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles will want substantial compensation in return for Wentz. Although the Colts will not give the Eagles two picks for the Eagles, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic, perhaps the Eagles could persuade the Colts to participate in Wentz’s 21st overall pick in this draft, along with a number of additional assets. The Bears possess the 20th overall pick in the first round, so their offer may be somewhat comparable to the Colts’ proposal.
While Wentz is coming off a disastrous season, the Eagles have his previous job selling to trading partners. Wentz led the league with 15 interceptions and 50 sacks, despite only playing in 12 games. Still, the sample size is not enough to sour the entire league at its game.
The Eagles are likely to move forward with Hurts at quarterback if – or more likely when – they handle Wentz. The new head coach, Nick Sirianni, has not been committed to the post since accepting the post.
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