Matthew Stafford was the first quarterback domino to fall this offseason. Now it appears the NFL is in a holding pattern to see who is the next to go. Most have their eyes on Deshaun Watson in Houston, but it appears another name could soon overtake him. That being former #2 overall pick Carson Wentz. The Philadelphia Eagles seemed committed to him long-term at the start of the 2020 season. Then a rough year completely changed everything.
He finished with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions and was finally benched for rookie Jalen Hurts towards the end of the season. Soon reports began to surface in Philadephia of a major rift between Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson. Something that grew to such a point where it was impossible to mend. So Pederson was fired. Most thought that was the end of it. Wentz would be the guy moving forward.
Except it’s not that simple.
Word persists the 28-year old quarterback still wants out of Philly. After initially rebuffing trade discussions from other teams, insiders have reported GM Howie Roseman is now listening to offers. Everything points in the direction of Wentz being on a new roster before the start of the 2021 season. It’s a matter of what the Eagles can get for him given all the challenge it present.
So this brings up the next question. Are the Chicago Bears interested? It’s not hard to imagine the scenario. Wentz has played Pro Bowl-caliber football not too long ago. He’s still on the younger side with a lot of talent. GM Ryan Pace was reportedly a big fan back in the 2016 draft. John DeFilippo was his quarterbacks coach in 2017 when he had arguably his best season. The Bears want a proven veteran under center.
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It’s not a difficult sell to many. So are they interested? In a word, no.
Carson Wentz doesn’t appear to intrigue the Bears brass
According to a source, Wentz is not high on their list of names they’re hoping to acquire this offseason. Why? A number of reasons. Not necessarily his regression in 2020 either. It starts with the contract. Wentz will carry a salary cap hit in excess of $34 million this coming season. The Bears would obviously want to have full confidence they’re getting a proven commodity if they’re going to take on such a massive number.
Then there is the injury history. Carson Wentz is a tough guy but he’s also prone to health problems. It was a torn ACL in 2017, then a fractured back in 2018, and a concussion in 2019. He always seems to get hurt at the worst possible times. Pace himself said the best ability in the NFL is availability. The Bears likely are hesitant to give so much money to a guy they can’t be certain will survive a full season.
Last but not least is the personality problem.
Wentz reportedly didn’t take well to hard coaching. His issues with Pederson raise an immediate red flag. Especially since he and Matt Nagy are friends and colleagues from their time in Kansas City together. One has to imagine Pederson has plenty to say about his former quarterback. Comments that likely wouldn’t endear him to the brass in Chicago.
This is why unless Pace goes rogue or the Bears get desperate that they will conduct their search for help elsewhere.