(WIP) It's starting to feel more and more like a matter of when and where, instead of if, the Eagles will be trading quarterback Carson Wentz. In fact, teams have begun calling the Eagles regarding Wentz's availability, according to reports.
So where are the most logical trade destinations for Wentz?
As the days count down toward a trade, here seem to be the teams with the best shot of landing Wentz, who threw for 2,620 yards, 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while posting a 72.8 quarterback rating in 12 games in 2020.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Projected cap space: $73 million
Draft picks: No. 21, No. 54, No. 85, all picks in 2022
Analysis: The Colts being at the top of the list isn't new or surprising, but they're No. 1 for a reason. They have the most cap space. They're a win-now team. They're in need of a quarterback. They have both Frank Reich and Press Taylor, two of Wentz's favorite coaches, on the staff. They have an aggressive general manager. The Colts check off so many boxes that if they don't try to trade for Wentz, the rest of the league could view that as a red flag for how likely his chances are of bouncing back from a bad 2020 season.
2. New England Patriots
Projected cap space: $58 million
Draft picks: No. 15, No. 46, No. 111, all picks besides 6th/7th in 2022
Analysis: The Patriots should have plenty of incentive to trade for Wentz, considering the poor quarterback play they got last season and coach Bill Belichick's likely desire to get back to winning ASAP. The Patriots have also shown they aren't afraid to trade draft picks and given that they hold the No. 15 overall selection, they aren't going to be in position to draft a top quarterback prospect. The No. 15 pick for Wentz is probably unlikely, but the Patriots might be willing to deal a 2022 first-round pick or the No. 46 overall pick for the chance to potentially solve their quarterback position post-Tom Brady.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Projected cap space: $10 million OVER
Draft Picks: No. 17, No. 48, No. 81, all picks in 2022
Analysis: The Raiders are a wild card to keep an eye on. A recent report out of Las Vegas suggested the team might try to trade Derek Carr in an attempt to put together a package for Deshaun Watson. The Raiders might be able to pull that off, but if they aren't, Wentz might be the fallback option they turn to. Both coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have been big Wentz fans in the past, and if any coach would be confident enough he can turn around Wentz, it would be Gruden. The Raiders are in a tough spot financially, but if they do trade Carr and Wentz is willing to re-work his deal to make a trade happen, they certainly have the draft capital to put together an attractive offer to the Eagles.
4. Denver Broncos:
Projected cap space: $14 million
Draft picks: No. 9, No. 40, No. 71, all picks in 2022
Analysis: Like the Colts, the Broncos have a roster ready to win with the exception of one big issue — the quarterback spot. Drew Lock showed some potential last season and played better than Wentz in some ways, but it wouldn't be crazy if the Broncos didn't view him as the long-term option. The Broncos could easily talk themselves into the idea of Wentz returning to his 2017 form with the set of weapons on offense they would surround him with. It would be surprising if the Broncos sent the No. 9 pick in this upcoming draft to the Eagles for Wentz, but a 2022 first-round pick is possible. Trading a first-round pick in 2022 to get Wentz would potentially solve the Broncos' quarterback spot while also giving them the chance to another key piece with their No. 9 pick this year.
5. Chicago Bears:
Projected Cap Space: $13 million OVER
Draft Picks: No. 20, No. 52, No. 84, all picks in 2022
Analysis: In 2016, the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings for a first-round and fourth-round pick because they took advantage of a desperate team. This year, the Bears feel like that team, as both coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace are on the hot seat. The Bears have the desperate need to win right now, and the No. 20 overall pick is also justifiable to trade for Wentz, as Chicago won't be landing a quarterback at that spot. Like the Raiders, the Bears have some cap space issues to take care of, but it sure seems like Wentz is willing to re-do his deal to make a trade work. Plus, the Bears have a piece they can offer back in a trade that no other team can — quarterback Nick Foles, whom the Eagles would likely love to get back as the perfect backup to whoever their starting quarterback is next season.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com.
