Calling his five years on the team “an incredible journey,” quarterback Carson Wentz said goodbye to the Eagles, his former teammates and the city of Philadelphia on Friday.
Wentz posted a lengthy post on his Instagram account the day after league sources told ESPN that he was negotiated with the Indianapolis Colts for a third round choice in 2021 and a conditional second round choice in 2022 that could turn into a first round choice.
He wrote in part: “As one chapter closes, another begins.”
In Indianapolis, Wentz will meet Colts coach Frank Reich, his former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, and help fill the void left by Philip Rivers’ retirement. The Eagles must turn to Jalen Hurts, although they also intend to bring him competition. The Eagles’ initial task should not automatically go to Hurts.
Trading Wentz marks the end of an unexpected chapter and year with the Eagles. Wentz went from being a former MVP candidate to supporting Hurts – a newcomer to the second round in 2020 – while his relationship with former Eagles coach Doug Pederson disintegrated.
Wentz wanted to leave Philadelphia, although the Eagles hired former Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni as their new coach.
Reich, who has been the head coach of Indianapolis for the past three years, was Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator for the first two seasons of the Wentz NFL in 2016 and 2017. With Reich at the helm, Wentz will take the reins of a Colts attack that came in tenth place in the NFL in total attack and ninth on the scoreboard last season.