Baseball and football are different sports, but fans often love watching both. So it’s not uncommon for sports journalists or insiders to work in one or the other. Longtime Chicago Bears columnist Adam Hoge recently began covering the White Sox a few months ago. So this sort of thing happens a lot. That is why this next bit of information is at least interesting.
Dave Williams of Barstool Sports, affectionately known as whitesoxdave, is a notable insider for the White Sox. He’s been on top of a lot of big scoops surrounding that team and other baseball events in recent years. He’s the host of Red Line Radio and has connections across the sports landscape. That is why it was quite a revelation when he dropped this nugget on Twitter.
Ok so I'm FAR from an NFL insider but some dude just DM'd me Philly is trading Wentz to the Bears. No idea if this is old news or not, been out of the loop a bit with Surving Barstool, but he had some compelling proof and I want 100% of the credit when it goes down @AdamSchefter
— whitesoxdave (@barstoolWSD) February 5, 2021
Carson Wentz has been a topic all week long.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback played some really good football between 2017 and 2019 with 81 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions, making a Pro Bowl, and helping the team win the Super Bowl while making the playoffs each of those seasons. However, something went off the rails this past season. Wentz threw just 16 touchdowns to 15 interceptions and was eventually benched for rookie Jalen Hurts.
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Yesterday I wrote the Bears didn’t see Wentz as their top priority among veteran quarterbacks. Could that be shifting? It’s not hard to imagine. Remember that no resolution appears in sight for Deshaun Watson while Derek Carr and Dak Prescott aren’t viewed as likely to be available. Matt Nagy stated rather clearly his team is hoping to land a proven veteran. Wentz might be the only one they see as viable.
What Dave said is being backed up by others including Brandon Robinson of Windy City Gridiron.
As of 30 mins ago the #Bears have the top offer out for Carson Wentz. Unless another team comes over the top Wentz will be headed to Chicago. Bigger offer than most have expected. Bidding war will do that.
— Brandon Robinson (@BRobNFL) February 5, 2021
Chicago Bears have lots of ties to Wentz
Remember that John DeFilippo, their quarterbacks coach, was the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia when the Eagles drafted Wentz. They worked together for two years. Wentz had arguably his best season in 2017 under his direction. Then there is Ryan Pace. People with good memories will recall back in 2016 that the Bears were quite interested in moving up in the 1st round. Why? Reports later revealed Pace really liked Wentz. Unfortunately for him, the Eagles got there first.
This could be his opportunity to finally achieve a mission he started almost five years ago. Wentz is 28-years old and was playing really good football as recently as 2019. It isn’t hard to imagine the Chicago Bears convincing themselves they can get him straightened out. Even if it might cost them multiple high draft choices and bring aboard a $34 million salary cap hit.
The next 24-48 hours will probably tell the story.
Are the Bears truly committed to making a go of it with Wentz? If so, they better be prepared for the consequences. His reputation isn’t exactly glowing. Coming off a career-worst season. Rumors of him being combative with his head coach. A history of health issues. This isn’t the splash move a lot of fans probably had in mind. If it fails, Pace and Nagy will likely lament the decision when they’re searching for work next offseason.