Answers to every question in this Philadelphia Eagles QB conundrum
By Ben Swanger
What in the world would the Philadelphia Eagles do with Carson Wentz?
Carson Wentz is 27 years old and a physical specimen at the quarterback position. He possesses all the intangibles that scouts look for in an elite quarterback. Unfortunately, these days, he just looks like another big guy, a big guy carrying a big bag, that is. Wentz’s four-year, $128 million extension carries $108 million in guaranteed money. Right now, this one is looking like one of the worst contracts in the NFL.
Wentz is broken, bruised, and beaten up, both physically and mentally. He’s been sacked an astronomical 50 times in 11 and a half games. He’s displayed poor pocket presence, inconsistent footwork, and accuracy issues. It’s actually almost as if an alien from Space Jam stripped every ounce of Wentz’s ability to play quarterback away from him.
Everything that’s built up can be torn down, but fortunately, everything that was torn down can be built up again. The only question is, does Philly want to invest their time in doing that if Hurts proves something in Philly’s final four games?
The caveat down Wentz avenue is the contract. Many say the contract is immovable. Others say doing so is possible. The problem here is the salary cap for 2021. It’s almost a sure thing the league’s cap will shrink due to financial losses every team is experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Would a team take on the $34.6 million cap hit that Wentz represents next season? It’s really hard to say that for sure.
One NFL fan might view Wentz as a guy that can be built back up, but they would never wager the money on it. Other NFL fans might view Wentz as a lost cause. If Wentz is cut next season, he represents nearly $60 million in dead money.
Andrew Brandt, former Vice President of the Green Bay Packers and one of the brightest minds in salary cap management recently shared some insights with 97.5 The Fanatic.
If they cut him, 60 million dead money. They aren't cutting him. If they were able to trade him it would have to be before the 3rd day of the league year to keep from paying a 10 million dollar bonus which is guaranteed AND the salary which is also guaranteed - @AndrewBrandt
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) December 8, 2020
This is the conundrum. Carson Wentz has too much money tied to him. He’s almost guaranteed to be a Philadelphia Eagle in 2021 barring a bold decision from a fellow NFL franchise. Brandt offers up some reality:
Could the Eagles offer Wentz AND other valuable assets to take his contact while still incurring a $30M plus Cap charge. In theory, yes. In reality, no.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) December 8, 2020
Barring the unthinkable that Hurts plays poorly and Wentz is somehow elsewhere, a pure restart for the organization will be in play.