Carson Wentz’s trade “may not be as fast as some people think here”

So, when will this Carson Wentz exchange finally happen?

On Friday, the Inquirer reported that a deal was “closed”.

On Saturday, ESPN reported that the Eagles “must negotiate Carson Wentz in the next few days”.

On Monday, NJ.com writer and BGN alumnus Mike Kaye cited a source who expects the deal to take place today or tomorrow.

Perhaps it is still the case. But … maybe not?

Mike Garafolo was kind of everywhere during a Monday afternoon newscast to NFL Network:

“I think a lot of people thought, ‘OK, the Super Bowl is going to end and, in the morning, that exchange will be over. I made calls to everyone involved in this case and told me that nothing was imminent. That the Eagles are basically waiting for an offer that they think is worth switching to Carson Wentz. And one of the options that are still at stake – I don’t think it’s likely – is that they don’t get an offer they deem worthy and say ‘OK, Carson Wentz, go to the training ground’. I believe that in the end it will be negotiated and they will have an offer that will separate them from Wentz. I still can’t see a way for him to get back to the Eagles. I said on WIP radio in Philadelphia last week that I was 50-50, but when I was with them, I said that I am officially on 51-49 that he is being traded and I don’t think I’m going back to 50-50. Therefore, I am almost 100% certain that it will eventually be traded. But it may not be as fast as some people think here. The Bears and Colts are among the teams involved. I have been informed that there are more teams involved and I will also say that the Bears and Colts have other defenders that they are keeping an eye on. So, a lot of moving parts, a lot of chess, a lot of poker being played here. I can’t really put you on a deadline here. I think it is negotiated, I cannot say how quickly, but it can be relatively fast. “

Some thoughts on all this:

• We keep hearing that the deal is “closed”, but nothing is “imminent”. IT’S OK. Useful.
• That a report like this leaks, tells me that the Eagles are not very happy with the offers they have received so far. I can’t buy the Eagles just by bringing Wentz to 2021 right now. Nor can teams that bid for Wentz that are not as profitable as the Eagles would like them to be.
• “More teams involved” seems like an attempt to make Wentz’s assets look more competitive than they really are. Then again, Tony Pauline said that the San Francisco 49ers’ interest in Wentz cannot be ruled out. So, maybe there are actually some other teams out there.
• There is danger in hoping for the best deal possible. This is not to say that Howie Roseman should jump over whatever is on the table. But Roseman risks exaggerating the further the saga continues.
• At 9:32 am today, Windy City Gridiron contributor Brandon Robinson said he expected news from Wentz “within 24 hours. ”He also added this:

I believe he is referring to Bears fans upset about compensation. If true, a good sign for Eagles fans.

• Lots and lots of rumors out there. TBD when we finally have some clarity.