Carson Wentz’s time with the Eagles is nearing its end, a person with knowledge of his trade market told NJ Advance Media on Monday.
“I think that ship has sailed,” said the person, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and was granted anonymity. “I expect him to go (Monday) or (Tuesday).”
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According to the person, the belief around the league is that the trade market will come down to the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. While a third undisclosed team is said to be in the mix, the source noted that the Bears and Colts are in the driver’s seat and a deal is “close.”
While there’s a sense that GM Howie Roseman is trying to drive up the market, the person said Colts GM Chris Ballard and Bears GM Ryan Pace have remained “disciplined” during negotiations.
Wentz has familiarity with both coaching staffs. He’s worked under Colts head coach Frank Reich, wide receivers coach Mike Groh and passing game coordinator Press Taylor in Philadelphia. He has also worked under Bears QBs coach John DeFilippo with the Eagles.
Wentz and Taylor are particularly close. As NJ Advance Media reported last month, Taylor’s coaching approach with Wentz drew the ire of fellow coaches and players, as they felt Taylor was “soft” on Wentz. While former colleagues have both praised Taylor as coach and Wentz as a quarterback, their close relationship was seen as a negative by their peers.
That said, perhaps Taylor and Wentz will work better with the coach no longer directly overlooking the QB position. Wentz, who had reportedly had a falling out with former head coach Doug Pederson last year, has built-in relationships and comfort with three members of the Colts’ offensive staff. As Wentz weighs his options, the Colts should be at the top of his list.
The Bears and DeFilippo could offer Wentz a clean slate as well. While the Bears still house former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles on their roster, Chicago probably wouldn’t keep Wentz and Foles together, given their dynamic in Philly. Foles could perhaps 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 significant compensation in return for Wentz. While the Colts won’t hand the Eagles two first-round picks, according to The Athletic’s Stephen Holder, perhaps the Eagles can persuade the Colts to part with their 21st overall pick in this draft, along with some added on assets, in return for Wentz. The Bears own the 20th overall pick in the first-round, so their offer could be somewhat comparable to the Colts’ proposal.
While Wentz is coming off a disastrous season, the Eagles have his previous work to sell to trade partners. Wentz led the league with 15 interceptions and 50 sacks taken, despite only playing in 12 games. Still, that sample size isn’t enough to sour the entire league on his play.
The Eagles would likely move forward with Hurts at quarterback if — or more likely when — they deal Wentz. New head coach Nick Sirianni has been noncommittal on the position since taking the job.
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