PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — All things considered, Carson Wentz would rather be in Philadelphia.
With plenty of time to spare before the expiration of his contract, Wentz decided to officially make a long-term commitment to the Eagles. The quarterback signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2024.
For Wentz, it made sense to do a deal — totaling $128 million, according to ESPN — that would benefit both sides.
"Something I think both sides wanted to get done," Wentz added. "I knew I wanted this to be home for a long time. Ever since being drafted, it's felt like home. So as soon as we found something that was a win-win and really a fair opportunity, I jumped at it just because, like I said, I love this place. I love this place and I want to be here for a while. Felt like it was a good time."
Excited to keep callin' Philly our home! Thankful for this incredible opportunity! #flyeaglesfly-- pic.twitter.com/ipQphEokR3
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) June 10, 2019Watch live as Carson Wentz meets with the media after signing his contract extension. https://t.co/FT9bARdKXN
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 10, 2019Wentz isn't the only person at 1 Novacare Way that is excited about his new contract. Teammates and front office executives are thrilled to know he'll be in an Eagles uniform for many years to come.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie was equally excited to see Wentz sign the deal, and he felt a strong connection with the quarterback from the first moment he spoke with him in North Dakota.
"Every moment he's been with us at the Eagles, it's just reinforced everything we expected and much more from those days," Lurie said. "Whether it's leadership, poise, the desire to be really, really good — if not great — attention to detail, smart, face of the franchise in so many ways."
Several factors went into Wentz's decision. He has already built a strong bond with both his teammates and the community. He also has a strong working relationship with Doug Pederson, and Wentz is happy to play for a coach who has shown plenty of trust in his abilities.
"Any time an organization has shown this much faith and trust in me, it means lot," Wentz continued. "All the conversations I've had with coach, it means a lot. He has always had my back, always trusted me since the moment I got here. I talked about that connection I felt with this organization even before the draft — him primarily."
Wentz has dealt with his share of injuries throughout the early years of his career, but he appears healthy and ready to go for the 2019 season — and eager to do so in front of a fan base that he believes can relate to his fiery personality.
"The fan base is amazing," Wentz said. "It's truly special on Sundays and to see those fans and the passion they bring. I've said it and probably sound like a broken record up to this point, but I don't think this culture or this city could fit me any better with the passion that they bring and how bad they want to win. I'm wired the same way — so extremely thrilled to be here for quite a while now, and just excited for it."
