The quarterback carousel just took a big spin.
The Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Colts on Thursday for a 2021 third-round pick (No. 85) and a conditional 2022 second-round pick, according to multiple reports.
The 2022 pick would become a first-round selection if Wentz plays in 75% of the offensive snaps next season.
This divorce has been in the works since rookie Jalen Hurts replaced Wentz as the Eagles’ starter late in the season.
Wentz, 28, will be reunited with Colts coach Frank Reich, who was formerly the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. The Bears were considered the other main contender for Wentz, but the former No. 2 draft pick reportedly preferred Indianapolis.
Wentz’s long fall from one-time MVP candidate was complete this year, when he threw 16 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions while the Eagles offense looked miserable with him under center.
Wentz was reportedly unhappy playing as a backup and a switch in head coaches — from Doug Pederson to Nick Sirianni — did nothing to change the untenable situation. The fact the Eagles were unable to get a first-round pick back shows how little leverage the team had and how the rest of the NFL currently views Wentz.
The former North Dakota State star’s best season came in 2017, when he threw for 33 touchdowns but tore his ACL with the three games left and Philadelphia sitting at 11-2. Nick Foles took over as starter and led the franchise to its only Super Bowl championship, unfathomably out-dueling Tom Brady and the Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.
Wentz returned the following year after Week 5 and over the proceeding two seasons threw 48 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, though did not regain the form he displayed prior to the injury.
It was clear once Hurts took over in Week 14 that the Eagles offense was more explosive with the rookie out of Oklahoma.
Wentz was the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft behind Jared Goff — and now both have been traded after disappointing turns in their careers. Goff was included in the Rams trade for Matthew Stafford that also sent two first-round picks to Detroit.
A return that the Eagles hoped to match for Wentz, but in reality was never close to receiving.
