Another NFL quarterback is changing teams.
According to multiple reports, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been traded to the Colts in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick and conditional 2022 second-round pick, which could turn into a first-rounder.
The Eagles are now committed to second-year player Jalen Hurts and Wentz will replace Philip Rivers in Indianapolis. Wentz is also reunited with his former offensive coordinator, Frank Reich.
It’s not that big of a return, which indicates there really wasn’t much of a market for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
So, how does this impact the Patriots?
It means one less team (Colts) are in the mix for a veteran quarterback, although they could potentially add a cheap veteran option in free agency to serve as Wentz's backup. Their current backup Jacoby Brissett is set to become a free agent and it’s unclear at this point whether or not he will return.
With Wentz’s arrival, it seems more likely than not he will find a new team this offseason and perhaps the Patriots would make an offer. Although, Brissett would be more of a backup option opposed to being the definitive starter.
Relating to the draft, it means another team ahead of the Patriots (Eagles at No. 6) could potentially target a QB. This would seemingly decrease the odds of them landing one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
The Jaguars, Jets, Falcons, Eagles, Lions, Panthers, Broncos, and Vikings all could be targeting quarterbacks ahead of the Patriots in the draft.
What the Eagles got in return could also be an indication of what the asking price for Jimmy Garoppolo would be if the 49ers were to trade him. Garoppolo and Wentz both have big-money deals, which certainly factor into the return.
It’s no surprise the Patriots were not in on Wentz, but the deal does have some impact on New England on its QB search.
