On Thursday, it was announced that the Indianapolis Colts had agreed to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Funny enough, a FlurrySports writer predicted this very move in a previous story.
The Colts get Carson Wentz and the Eagles receive a 2021 third round pick and a 2022 first or second round pick (depending on how Wentz does in Indianapolis) in return. The Jalen Hurts era will now take center stage in Philadelphia while Wentz is reunited with coach Frank Reich in Indy. Let’s look more in depth at this trade.
Colts Outlook Following Carson Wentz Trade
Carson Wentz will replace the retiring Philip Rivers under center for the Colts. Depending on whether or not Wentz can continue his development, he might be the better player of the two. Rivers was playing like a shell of his former self in his final NFL season and only season as a Colt. With Wentz, the Colts can play much more aggressively.
The Colts also have an excellent running game to complement Wentz, something that the Eagles have not had in recent seasons. If they can get T.Y. Hilton back into form and add some additional weapons, this Carson Wentz trade could set the Colts up to be a force in the AFC next year.
Eagles Outlook Following Carson Wentz Trade
The Eagles get the 85th pick in this year’s NFL Draft and a 2022 second round pick as compensation in the Carson Wentz trade. Note that the second rounder could turn into a first round pick if Wentz plays 75% of the snaps. Philly apparently believes that they have something in Jalen Hurts, and there isn’t enough from the eye test to contradict that point at present.
The Eagles do have some holes to fill depth wise. They most notably need help in the receiving game as well as at the linebacker position. The Eagles also need guys to stay healthy. On top of it all, the Eagles salary cap situation is far from enviable for a team that won just four games last season. Philadelphia is going to need to make several other moves and adjustments this offseason if they expect to substantially improve.
Carson Wentz Trade Winner
Take out the almost $34 million in dead cap that the Eagles have to deal with and the winner of the Carson Wentz trade is the Indianapolis Colts. Frank Reich has had success with Wentz before, and now the two could have more in Lucas Oil Stadium. Philly did not get enough in return for him. How does Matthew Stafford bring in two guaranteed first round picks and Wentz doesn’t (as of now)? Granted, the Lions also took on the horrifying contract of Jared Goff in that Stafford trade deal, but still.