Matt Mathias

Earlier this past week, the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to trade 28-year-old quarterback Carson Wentz to Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round draft pick as well as a conditional 2022 second round pick that could potentially become a first-round pick. There was certainly talk that this was coming sometime in the future as the Eagles’ season came to a close.

Wentz was formerly a star for the Eagles, and was even an NFL MVP candidate during the 2017 season as he led his team to an 11–2 record before suffering a season ending injury. The Eagles, however, would go on to win the super bowl in that same season under the leadership of back up and now quarterback for the Chicago Bears, Nick Foles. They defeated the New England Patriots and Tom Brady in a thriller underdog victory that season.

Since that fateful season, Wentz has had ups and downs. While battling various injuries over the past few seasons, Wentz has struggled to perform to that same MVP caliber level. Due to this uncertainty, the Eagles drafted a quarterback with an early pick in the most recent NFL draft. Oklahoma product Jalen Hurts was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, of the 2020 NFL draft. This was the first of many headaches to follow for Wentz, as he saw this draft choice directly as the organization losing faith in their former franchise quarterback. From there, Wentz knew he had to step up to the challenge, as his job as the starting quarterback was being threatened.

Throughout the 2020-2021 season, the Eagles struggled mightily in an already abysmal NFC East division. In a division where not even one team finished with a record equal or above .500,  Philadelphia finished last with a season record of 4 wins, 11 losses and a tie. Sitting at a 3–8–1 record going into Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles decided to bench Wentz and give their rookie Hurts a try after another poor performance from Wentz. 

With Hurts performing at an average, if not better pace than Wentz had over the course of the season, this was the final straw. With no intentions of being a backup, Wentz wanted a fresh start. The head coach at the time, Doug Peterson, tried to quell some of the angst with the media claiming that the relationship between the franchise and their once valued quarterback was strong. Weeks later at the end of the season, Peterson was relieved from his position with the team.

The trade moves a disgruntled Wentz to a team where he can contribute as a starter and hopefully help him to regain his identity as a star quarterback in the NFL. With the trade to the Colts, he will help fill a void for their team left by quarterback Philip Rivers’ retirement. Wentz will also be reunited with his former offensive coordinator from Philadelphia and now head coach of the Colts, Frank Reich. Reich was the offensive coordinator for Wentz’s first two seasons in the NFL. It is clear that the Eagles will likely look to Jalen Hurts to lead their team this upcoming season; however, they do not seem to be entirely sold on Hurts being the future, and they most likely will bring in new talent to challenge him for the starting role.