Before the Philadelphia Eagles took to the field at State Farm Stadium in Arizona against the Cardinals Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s NFL reporter Adam Schefter reported that according to sources close to the team, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz did not want to return to the team as a backup in 2021.
The Eagles started Jalen Hurts for the second week in a row, and he had himself a game despite losing to the Cardinals 33-26. Hurts completed 50% of his passes, going 24/44 for 338-yards, throwing three touchdowns to go with eleven carries for 63-yards, and a rushing touchdown.
Before going to commercial breaks, the FOX cameras showed Wentz talking to Hurts, sitting next to him going over plays, and cheering on his teammates.
After the game, Doug Pederson was asked who will start next week against the Dallas Cowboys, and he did not say who would start. Pederson was then asked to comment on Wentz’s report, but before he answered, a reporter told Doug that Wentz did not say he wanted to leave. Pederson’s response was, “Carson has done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s a pro. He’s engaging. He’s helping Jalen,” coach Doug Pederson said. “I get it, and I understand it’s a frustrating situation for him, but at the same time, I see him helping Jalen and helping our offense.”
It’s no question that the national media are all over this quarterback situation. After all, the Eagles went through this just three years ago with Carson Wentz and Nick Foles.
One has to wonder who leaked out this information to Schefter. During NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Eagles Eye Podcast with Dave Zangaro and Reuben Frank, Frank said, “Carson’s camp didn’t deny the report.”
Usually, players’ agents or someone close to them will leak stuff out to reporters to get their point across. Most players will tell it like it is, while others try to keep it professional and talk behind closed doors. Carson does not seem to be the type of person who would throw the team under the bus. He will have to go to the mic and address these concerns as soon as possible. The more he remains silent, the worse this is going to get.
The Eagles have committed to Wentz after handing him a four-year extension for $128 million with $32 million guaranteed next year. Should the Eagles decide to go in a different direction, they will need to decide by the second day of the 2021 league year. By cutting Wentz, it will cost the team $59.2 million plus an extra hit of $24.5 million. But, if they trade him, it will only cost the Eagles $33.8 million and save $852,928.
Right now, the Eagles, despite their record, are in the hunt for a playoff spot. Their last two games are against divisional rivals Dallas and Washington. Hurts is hot right now, and Pederson will likely stick with him for the last two games. Carson will continue to be there for his teammates, and whatever happens after that remains to be seen.
