By the time you are reading this Carson Wentz might already be traded.
Of course, you could have said that on Saturday. Or Sunday. Or Monday. Or Tuesday.
Yet still, as of Wednesday morning, Wentz is still on the Eagles and for the first time in days it does not feel like a trade could happen at any moment.
So what in the world is going on?
Some thoughts on the Eagles situation with Wentz as we all wait for a trade:
** I have absolutely zero doubt Wentz will be traded. Howie Roseman has his flaws, but one thing he is good at is playing the media game. It would have never gotten to this point, with everyone assuming Wentz will be traded, if he wasn't going to be trade. Wentz's agent, one of the most powerful agents in the NFL, wouldn't have let it get to this point if his client wasn't going to get what he wants. Both sides are motivated to get a deal done. It still remains a matter of when, not if, Wentz is moved.
** The 'when' part of the deal, however, might actually be longer than expected. The Indianapolis Colts appear very willing to wait out the Eagles. If the Chicago Bears don't bite soon, or change their mind completely and pursue another option, the Eagles might have no choice but to hold onto Wentz into the offseason. It is always possible another team, or even the Colts or Bears, decide one day to make the offer the Eagles want. It could happen Wednesday. One phone call can change everything. But it seems clear that a deal isn't actually "close" between the Eagles and any team -- and it wouldn't surprise me if some of the leaking that it is close might be coming from Wentz's side in an attempt to pressure the Eagles into making a deal.
** I still believe the Eagles are going to get a first-round pick for Wentz in return. Ignore the reports about how silly some teams thing Howie Roseman's asking price is. Those teams likely aren't interested anyway, or they wouldn't be leaking to the media how absurd of an asking price it is. The reality is that multiple teams are interested in Wentz, and it is more than just the Bears and the Colts. Strong interest from multiple teams is all Roseman needs to get something close to the offer he wants, and it appears he has that.
** Is it THAT crazy for Roseman to ask for a similar package for Wentz as the Lions got for Stafford?
A quick comparison of the two players:
Matthew Stafford career passer rating: 89.9
Carson Wentz career PR: 89.2
Stafford seasons w/PR over 100: 1/12
Wentz seasons w/PR over 100: 2/5
Wentz All-Pro Teams: 1
Stafford All-Pro Teams: 0
Stafford age: 33
Wentz age: 28
Wentz TD%: 4.5
Stafford TD%: 4.5
Wentz INT%: 2.0
Stafford INT%: 2.3
Yes, numbers don't tell the whole story. Stafford is the better player right now and wasn't the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2020 like Wentz. Still, there is an argument to be made that overall Wentz has been just as good overall in his career as Stafford has been in his. He certainly has reached a higher ceiling that Stafford has (2017).
I don't think Roseman will get two first-round picks-plus more for Wentz — but he isn't crazy to ask.
** I would trade Wentz ASAP if I were the Eagles. I don't think having this hang over the team's head is worth the wait. At the same time, however, there really is no actual rush to move him before March 17th. Wentz, outside of Deshaun Watson, is the best remaining option at quarterback. I find it unlikely the Colts or Bears will talk themselves into Sam Darnold or Jameis Winston. The Eagles might seem like they are desperate, but really they are the one with the power — because they have Wentz and the other team's that want him, need to win now and think he can help them win don't.
** My guess right now is that a deal still happens soon. I think Wentz will get traded to the Colts and I think the Eagles will get a first-round pick back.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
