Philadelphia Eagles: Looming Stafford trade complicates Wentz situation

When it was announced that the Philadelphia Eagles were hiring Frank Reich’s right hand man – Nick Sirianni – to be the team’s newest head coach, the general consensus was that this meant Carson Wentz would return for the 2021 season. After all, Wentz had his best year operating in Reich’s system.

However, as I’m writing this, the Eagles organization has not made it clear what their plan at quarterback is moving forward. While it makes the most amount of sense for Wentz and Sirianni to enter 2021 together, there’s no guarantee that that is what will take place. Wentz could still try to force his way out, and Howie Roseman could still end up hunting extra draft picks this offseason.

Matthew Stafford trade rumors affect the Philadelphia Eagles.

After all, the last time owner Jeffrey Lurie spoke he referred to Wentz as an “asset.” Not exactly a glowing recommendation for someone who was once considered the face of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise.

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With all of that in mind, some recent developments around the NFL have added an additional layer of complexity to any sort of hypothetical Carson Wentz trade. Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions have mutually agrees to part ways this offseason, and one can only assume that teams would prefer trading for Stafford as opposed to Wentz.

NFL insider Adam Schefter had this to say on the Stafford-trade situation:

"“In an arrangement the two sides have discussed and mutually agreed upon, quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to not return to the Lions this offseason, with Detroit listening to trade offers starting this week, league sources told ESPN on Saturday.With new general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell now in place, the Lions will soon begin trade discussions that most likely will result in a new quarterback for the team — largely influenced by what and whom Detroit will get in exchange for Stafford, sources told ESPN.The Lions are expected to receive at least a first-round pick, league sources said.”"

If the Philadelphia Eagles were to explore a Wentz trade this offseason, it’s hard to imagine a team favoring him over the likes of a now publicly available Stafford. The former Lions QB is coming off a 4,000+ yard, 26 TD season – while operating with an objectively bad roster around him.

Teams like Indianapolis, New England, and potentially San Francisco could all bank on instantly improving their offense with a Stafford addition, whereas Wentz looks like more of a project.

Throw in the fact that Deshaun Watson reportedly wants out of Houston, plus the 4-5 quarterbacks likely to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, and the market for an expensive Carson Wentz – coming off a terrible season – is definitely shrinking.

Personally speaking, I like Wentz, and think the front office would be wise to give him an honest chance with new HC Nick Sirianni. However, if the organization does in fact pivot towards shopping Wentz for picks this offseason, competing with someone of Stafford’s caliber can only be viewed as less than ideal.