The Carson Wentz trade finally happened, and with it, his era ends in Philadelphia. Thanks to a report by Adam Schefter, we now know that the Philadelphia Eagles will send him to the Indianapolis Colts in return for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick.
It’s a bitter ending between the former second-overall pick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the past few seasons, Wentz has shown flashes of becoming the player that he once was in 2017, but he has never been able to capture that same magic. Also, after a five-year career in Philadelphia, Wentz will reunite with Frank Reich (the former Eagles offensive coordinator) in Indianapolis.
At the surface level, the compensation for the former MVP candidate seems low. After all, it was reported that the Eagles wanted a ‘Matthew Stafford type deal’ for Wentz. Just in case you need a reminder, Stafford was dealt for two future first-round picks and a third-rounder.
Wentz’s talent has always been apparent, but when considering his injury history, his lucrative contract, and his disastrous 2020 season, it becomes clear as to why the Eagles were only able to receive a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick. Eagles fans will always remember Wentz for his magical 2017 season, but several general managers have seen a lot of red flags when dissecting the North Dakota State product.
Might there be hidden treasure in this Carson Wentz trade?
Here’s where things get interesting. As mentioned, once the trade goes through, the Eagles will have a conditional 2022 second-round pick, but there is an opportunity for this pick to become a first-rounder.
According to multiple sources, including the aforementioned Schefter, if Carson Wentz plays in 75 percent of the snaps next season, the 2022 second-round pick becomes a first-rounder in 2022. The pick will also become a first if he plays in 70 percent of snaps and the Colts make the playoffs.
So, with that being said, just like they have been doing for the past five years, Eagles fans need Wentz to stay healthy and on the field. He’ll have to compete for the starting job in Indianapolis more than likely, but there is a real chance that the 2022 second-round pick will improve in value.
After five up and down NFL seasons, the Carson Wentz era is over in Philadelphia. ‘Unpredictability’ will be the word that Eagles fans will associate with Wentz. Once upon a time, he was an MVP candidate. A few years later, he gets benched in favor of a rookie. Even still, this is an ending to a roller-coaster ride, and Philadelphia Eagles fans everywhere have to feel better now that this is over.