Carson Wentz‘s time on the Philadelphia Eagles has come to an end today.
The quarterback is heading to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick. If Wentz plays in at least 75% of Indy’s offensive snaps next year, or if he plays in at least 70% and the Colts make the playoffs, then the pick will convert to a first-rounder.
The former No. 2 overall pick in 2016 leaves Philly coming off of his worst season yet. In 2020, Wentz completed just 57% of his passes, threw 15 interceptions and was sacked 50 times (worst in the NFL). On top of that, Wentz’s relationship with the team deteriorated throughout the season, particularly with head coach Doug Pederson. As his performance plummeted and the Eagles continued to lose games, Pederson took more and more control of the offense away from Wentz, and it was clear by the end of the season that Wentz was unable to operate in his head coach’s scheme. This led to him being benched in favor of rookie second-round pick Jalen Hurts, who is expected to step into a full-time starting role for the Eagles in 2021. Wentz eventually requested to be traded from Eagles, and this move marks the confirmation of his inevitable departure.
Nevertheless, this trade holds benefits for both teams. For the Eagles, despite taking a $33.8 million dead-cap hit, they have finally been able to get rid of Wentz’s hefty contract, a four-year $128 million extension, which he signed in June of 2019. For the Colts, Wentz will arrive as the much needed replacement for Philip Rivers, who retired following the 2020 season. In addition, this reunites Wentz with Frank Reich, current head coach of the Colts. Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles in 2017, when Wentz posted MVP caliber numbers until he tore multiple knee ligaments late in the season. Wentz’s play has declined each year since 2017, but the Colts hope that with Reich at the helm, he will return to his rookie season form.
