Carson Wentz’s time with the Eagles is coming to an end, a person with knowledge of his business market told NJ Advance Media on Monday.
“I think that ship is already gone,” said the person. “I hope he goes (Monday) or (Tuesday).”
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According to the source, the belief around the league is that the commercial market will be reduced to the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Although an undisclosed third team is in the mix, the source noted that the Bears and Colts are in the driver’s seat and a deal is “closed”.
Although there is a feeling that GM Howie Roseman is trying to boost the market, the person said Colts GM Chris Ballard and Bears GM Ryan Pace remained “disciplined” during the negotiations.
Wentz is familiar with both technical teams. He worked with Colts coach Frank Reich, wide receivers coach Mike Groh and pass coordinator Press Taylor in Philadelphia. He also worked with Bears QBs coach John DeFilippo with the Eagles.
Wentz and Taylor are particularly close. As NJ Advance Media reported last month, Taylor’s approach as a Wentz coach drew the ire of other coaches and players as they felt Taylor was “soft” with Wentz. Although former colleagues praised Taylor as a coach and Wentz as a defender, their close relationship was seen as negative by colleagues.
That said, maybe Taylor and Wentz will work better with the coach no longer looking directly at QB’s position. Wentz, who reportedly had a run-in with former coach Doug Pederson last year, built relationships and comfort with three members of the Colts’ offensive team. While Wentz ponders his options, the Colts should be at the top of his list.
The Bears and DeFilippo could offer Wentz a clean slate too. While the Bears are still home to former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles in their lineup, Chicago probably wouldn’t keep Wentz and Foles together, given their dynamics in Philadelphia. Bellows could perhaps be included in a deal with Wentz, as he could serve as a reserve or competition for second-year QB Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles will want significant compensation in return for Wentz. Although the Colts do not give the Eagles two choices in the first round, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic, the Eagles may be able to persuade the Colts to scrap their 21st overall choice in this draft, along with some additional resources, in exchange for Wentz. The Bears have the 20th overall choice in the first round, so their offer may be comparable to the Colts’ proposal.
While Wentz is coming out of a disastrous season, the Eagles have their previous work to sell to trading partners. Wentz led the championship with 15 interceptions and 50 takedowns, despite playing only 12 games. Still, the sample size is not enough to sour the entire league in your game.
The Eagles would likely move on with Hurts as a defender if – or more likely when – negotiated with Wentz. New coach Nick Sirianni has not committed to the position since taking office.
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