The NFL trade market is heating up quicker than a plate of Super Bowl leftovers, and Carson Wentz is in the middle of the rumor craze.
The Eagles are currently shopping the former Pro Bowler after another disappointing season, with the Bears and Colts reportedly among the top candidates to make a deal for Wentz.
In a discussion on with Jon Marks & Ike Reese on Monday afternoon, The Athletic's Colts reporter Stephen Holder expressed his belief that barring a surprising overpay by another team, the Colts look like the likeliest landing spot for Wentz.
"I think if they can get to the right compensation, I think that will happen," Holder said.
"I can't speak for the Bears or other teams. That's a factor. If another team gets crazy…then [Philadelphia] is going to take the best deal. But if that competition isn't as much of a factor and they can come to something reasonable, I really think it can happen or will happen."
Holder also stressed the importance of Frank Reich's presence in a potential deal. The Colts head coach was previously the Eagles offensive coordinator and worked directly with Wentz, and with Reich earning trust within the Colts' front office, a glowing review of Wentz could go a long way in the team's desire to make a deal with the Eagles.
"Frank Reich is a big factor here," Holder said. "It's not just that he coached Carson. He did obviously, they have a close relationship, that's all true. But it's also…Frank Reich having credibility with the GM Chris Ballard and the owner Jim Irsay. Around this time last year, he was trying to convince them that Philip Rivers was the way to go, and I don't think there was universal acceptance of that. But that worked out pretty well. Frank Reich has built up credibility there, and there's some trust."
Reports on Monday morning indicated that a deal for Wentz could be wrapped up as early as the end of the day, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo poured water on that stovetop on Monday afternoon, saying no deal was imminent and the Eagles would wait for the best offer. As for the Colts, they could also be waiting themselves in seeing how the rest of the quarterback landscape shakes out.
"We don't know all the variables yet on the quarterback front," Holder said. "For example, what happens with Sam Darnold, who is someone I know they at least want to explore as an option if he becomes available, but that's dependent on what the Jets do. There's all these little puzzle pieces that have to come into play soon. Derek Carr too. Does John Gruden run out of patience…and he becomes available?"
Matthew Stafford was an option before he was traded to the Rams, but Holder believes the Colts would prefer a younger quarterback like Wentz, which is part of the reason why Stafford didn't end up in Indy.
"The difference there is that I don't think they had as much conviction about that move," Holder said. "I'm not saying they think Carson Wentz is worth more than Matthew Stafford. Was there motivation to make a Matthew Stafford deal? Absolutely. Was it a life or death situation for them? No, and the reason for that is that they had some reservations about him. From a Colts standpoint, they didn't subscribe to the notion that Stafford can plug and play and you're contending all of a sudden."
Wentz may not have the ability to turn any team into an instant contender either, and he carries an extensive injury history, but he is certainly a candidate to end up in a Colts uniform. It just may not unfold as swiftly as early reports indicated.
"The Colts' need is significant, and I think Frank Reich and his presence here is a major factor," Holder said. "I think there's all these little things that need to play out. So if you're the Colts, you're not going to jump out there and give Philly their first offer when you have potentially other options. They still have some draft assets even though they're far from the top at No. 21…they still have some cards to play."
