Just one week ago, everybody was becoming convinced that a Carson Wentz trade was imminent. The quarterback wanted out of Philadelphia. The Eagles needed cap space anyway and if they were going to move him, the sooner the better right? They even seemed to have a nice market of interested teams. The Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts both needed a quarterback and both had connections to Wentz via their coaching staff.
Rumors grew rampant over Super Bowl weekend that a deal was imminent. A bidding war had begun. Nothing was going to stop it. Now with the offseason finally at hand, it appears that the initial surge has dried up. Not is no deal imminent it seems, but the market could be dying altogether. How is this possible? Blame is being directed squarely at the Eagles and GM Howie Roseman.
Multiple insiders have stated their asking price for Wentz has been absurdly high.
The Eagles asking price, according to one team source, was ridiculous, laughable, and not worth countering. Until they lower their expectations, based on the uncertainty of the player and contract, their initial price will never be obtained.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) February 9, 2021
What are the chances the #Bears get Wentz? @AlbertBreer with the latest: pic.twitter.com/9Ud2f4KVJb
— Kap and J Hood (@kapjhood) February 9, 2021
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Last week SM reported that the Bears’ interest in Wentz wasn’t as strong as many had made it out to be. Yet people kept talking it up like the team was ready to overpay to get him. As the craziness has died away, it’s becoming apparent this original statement remains true. Chicago is interested in Wentz but not nearly to the degree a lot of people have made it out to be.
Certainly not at the rumored price tag Philadelphia wants. Believed to be two 1st round picks and then some. It’s hard to understand how they possibly believe they can get that. Wentz is coming off the worst season of his career. He’s proven injury-prone in the past. He just had a falling out with his head coach and he carries a very expensive contract. Every team in the league knew this. Yet Roseman set that price anyway.
Eagles can’t wait forever on a Carson Wentz trade
They’re already facing a record dead money hit from his contract whenever the trade does happen. However, it could get even worse. March 19th is a significant date to watch because Philadelphia would be forced to pay Wentz a $10 million bonus on that day due to his contract. The new league year begins on March 17th. So if nothing happens by then, the odds of Philadelphia getting anything close to what they want will have long gone out the window.
Chicago will continue to monitor any Carson Wentz trade. When it comes to making offers though? That hasn’t happened and won’t happen until Roseman comes back to reality. Free agency is still over a month away. The Bears will continue sifting through the market looking for other options. Deshaun Watson, Derek Carr, and Sam Darnold all could be possibilities. Things even seem to be getting weird between Russell Wilson and Seattle.
GM Ryan Pace clearly isn’t going to be roped into doing something foolish.
As of now, most seem to agree the Colts are the favored landing spot for Wentz. They have the money to take him and a coach he likes. Also, they’re in the AFC, something that would appeal to the Eagles. It feels like Philadelphia is trying to rope the Bears into getting desperate and making a massive offer. That hasn’t happened.
