The Carson Wentz trade saga has finally come to an end. He is heading to Indianapolis.
The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly trading Wentz to the Colts in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional second-round pick in 2022.
Wentz will reunite with Frank Reich, his former quarterbacks coach in Philly. The Eagles, meanwhile, will start over under center. Philadelphia is suddenly a likely candidate to take a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick (or maybe they will stick with Jalen Hurts).
How does this trade stack up for the two teams involved? Let's break it down.
Colts think they can maximize Wentz
The Colts needed a new signal-caller after Philip Rivers announced his retirement. General manager Chris Ballard suggested the team might prefer a long-term option.
Indy hopes Wentz can be the franchise quarterback. There is reason to believe a change of scenery and different personnel can make a big difference.
In spite of 2020 struggles, Wentz is the same guy who is just a season removed from throwing for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading a depleted Eagles team to the playoffs. He has the arm talent and athleticism to be successful; it will be about harnessing those attributes and, most importantly, instilling better decision-making.
The Colts have the roster to make the decision-making process easier. Indy has one of the top offensive lines in football. Rookie running back Jonathan Taylor was one of the best ballcarriers in football over the final seven weeks of the season. Not to mention, the Colts have the salary cap space to go out and get a top receiver or load up with depth at the position.
At the heart of the decision, however, is Wentz's relationship with Reich. He made the Pro Bowl with Reich as QB coach in 2017, showing tremendous growth and a massive year-over-year leap in his sophomore campaign.
The Colts are banking on Reich's guidance in helping Wentz progress. It seems like a respectable bet to make.
Colts Grade: A-
Tough pill to swallow for Philly
The Eagles were always going to be in a tough spot in Carson Wentz negotiations. In many ways, their hand was forced.
Philly brought in former Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni to replace Doug Pederson, but changes to the coaching staff did not seem to have an impact on Wentz's morale. Alas, the Eagles were forced to take a hit.
The Eagles will take on a $33.8 million dead cap hit after trading Wentz. They will not get much for their troubles, earning just the third-round draft pick and the conditional pick in 2022.
If there is any upside, it is the fact the 2022 pick will be converted to a first-rounder if Wentz plays over 75 percent of the offensive snaps. Maybe the Colts struggle with Wentz under center, in which case this will be a small victory for the Eagles.
But the relative shortage of draft capital, in addition to the dead cap charge, makes this trade a tough body blow for the Eagles.
Eagles Grade: D
Now, will the Eagles turn to Jalen Hurts to shoot for a passer at No. 6 in the draft?
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