The Carson Wentz derby figures to be nearing its end now that the Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror. Who is going to win that race? Does anybody really want to? Debates are raging on about whether Wentz is even worth the struggle. Rumors persist about him being a headache to deal with behind the scenes. Difficult to coach. A questionable teammate. Is it true or just an elaborate smear campaign?
Nobody can say for sure. The facts are straightforward to outside teams. Wentz had three strong seasons from 2017 to 2019, playing at a Pro Bowl level despite a number of injury setbacks. Then in 2020, he fell off a cliff, throwing 16 TDs and 15 interceptions. He missed a lot of open opportunities and generally made too many bad decisions. Yet people are left to wonder how much of that was on him.
The offense around him looked like a field hospital in a warzone all year.
Two starting offensive linemen missed the entire season with injuries. Two others missed significant stretches as well. This led Wentz to take 50 sacks in just 12 games. The wide receivers and tight ends were equally banged up as every notable starter spent varying periods on the shelf with ailments. It got so bad, the most targeted receiver ended up being Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham. Neither of which were opening day starters.
These facts are a key reason why teams still have interest in the 28-year old quarterback. If they can put him in a more stable situation on the field, perhaps he can return to the capable form he showed the three seasons prior. So that begs the question. Who is the leader in the clubhouse? Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network provided an answer.
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“Sources tell me the Chicago Bears are presently the frontrunners to obtain Wentz in a deal. However, don’t discount the Indianapolis Colts or San Francisco 49ers.
The situation for Wentz in Philadelphia deteriorated quicker than anyone could have imagined, after the former first-round pick signed a 4-year, $128 million contract extension in June of 2019.
While media reported a rift between Wentz and former head coach Doug Pederson, those with knowledge of the situation tell me the quarterback’s relationship with the Eagles’ front office, as well as Pederson, quickly went south during the season.”
Carson Wentz reaction will come down to the compensation
Rest assured, don’t expect Bears fandom to be united on a trade if it does end up happening. There will be divisions. Some will favor it, realizing that Wentz might be the best option this team has what with Deshaun Watson and the top QBs in the draft out of reach. Others will hate it because of the horrible season he just had and the ugly rumors about his personality in the locker room.
One thing that will determine the scope of the reactions will be the compensation. How much do the Bears have to give up to get him? The Eagles reportedly wanted two 1st round picks for Carson Wentz. Similar to the Matthew Stafford trade. Most believe they’ll likely settle for one, but teams are even resisting that. His downturn combined with that expensive contract is a massive risk.
It seems like Chicago might be the only team willing to pay that price.
If this ends up being the case? Expect a visceral reaction from a large section of the Bears fanbase. Declarations of renouncing allegiance. All that usual stuff. The fact is GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy are desperate. When the two men at the top are put on the hot seat, they’re going to take big risks to save their jobs. Wentz is the perfect representation of that reality.