Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz remains on the squad. Although the expectation was that Wentz would be negotiated relatively quickly, a deal has not been struck, and a former NFL general manager says it’s because the Eagles tried to do something out of nothing.
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Talking about The Pat McAfee Show, former NFL general manager and Ocean City native Michael Lombardi said the Eagles are trying to create a market to close a deal as soon as possible.
“When you go to Japan, they don’t normally negotiate with you to make contracts until you’re probably two hours away from the airport,” said Lombardi. “The reason for this is because this is really the only time that you are serious when you have to go. Everything else is just posture. The eagles are doing a stance, right? They have posture. “
The San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears showed some interest in Wentz, with the Bears being the favorites to put him in a trade. The Eagles declined a reported offer from the Colts. NFL analyst Ron Jaworski said the Colts offered Wentz two choices in the second round, but the Eagles are looking for a better offer.
Lombardi said another impulse to close a deal quickly is to avoid paying Wentz a $ 10 million bonus on the third day of the league year, something the team would not want to pay if it wants to change it. Lombardi said the on-call bonus created a de facto negotiation deadline.
“They tried to create this illusory market out there,” said Lombardi. “They took billboards with the World Leader and did everything they could to create this flat market. Two weeks ago, it was supposed to be traded for a blockbuster, and it didn’t. Most teams are looking around, saying, ‘We are not in this.’ At some point, the Eagles will realize that two days before the list’s bonus expires, either making this deal or not paying $ 10 million is worth it. “
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