Analyzing Eagles & Bears Carson Wentz Rumor
Just about 6-hours after ESPNs Adam Schefter reported the Eagles were expected to trade Carson Wentz in the coming days, news broke about a potential offer. Maybe a surprise to some, but it was the Chicago Bears
97.5 The Fanatic’s Natalie Egenolf was first to report the potential deal / offer from the Bears of a 1st round pick, Nick Foles, & an offensive player. Egenolf later followed up and update the rumored offer with Tarik Cohen being a possibility. Her rumor was also reported by 94.1 WIPs Howard Eskin. But, Eskin is reporting the Eagles would also be sending a pick to Chicago with Carson Wentz.
Name I’m hearing is Tarik Cohen, a first rounder and yes world, Nick Foles. https://t.co/dEsK5N8oV8
— Natalie Egenolf (@NatalieEgenolf) February 7, 2021
Rumors all over tonight on #Eagles trade of QB Carson Wentz. Here’s what I’m told. Wentz and a draft pick to #Bears for number 1 draft pick, QB Nick Foles, and RB Tarik Cohen who is coming off ACL injury but should be ready in September. @SportsRadioWIP
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) February 7, 2021
From Egenolf & Eskin reports, it seems the framework for a deal is surrounding a 1st round pick, Eagles taking Nick Foles ($4M guaranteed contract), & the possibility of another player. However, their reports contradict the Eagles rumored asking price.
According to reports, the Eagles want a similar deal to the one that sent Matthew Stafford to the LA Rams. A deal on the line of two 1st round picks & a player.
Eagles are asking for two 1s for Carson Wentz, which has led to some dial tones, including from one team previously perceived to be a favored landing spot.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) February 6, 2021
Now, both reports could be true. The Eagles could have pivoted from their asking price to take back Cohen & Foles instead of another 1st round pick. However, it just doesn’t make sense.
The Eagles taking back Foles seems to be something that must happen. Especially with his $4M guaranteed contract. But, the addition of Cohen makes little to no sense. Especially with the Eagles RB position locked up with Miles Sanders & Boston Scott. Who is like a carbon copy of Cohen.
Possible reason & probably the only reason why the Eagles could want Cohen is the similarity to Nyheim Hines. Who was a staple in HC Nick Sirianni’s offense in Indianapolis. But, other than that, his addition in the deal over their rumored asking price of two 1st round picks doesn’t seem logical.
While Cohen would be a big addition & a weapon for Jalen Hurts, it just doesn’t make sense with so many more holes to fill. Something that could be filled through another draft pick instead of Cohen.
Cap Situation
If and when the Eagles trade Carson Wentz, it still won’t be the end for Wentz in Philadelphia. Well, for Wentz, yes. But, his cap hit, no.
When the Eagles trade Wentz, due to NFL policy & his contract structure, he will count for $33.8M cap hit next season. But, when you look at Eagles QBs, Jalen Hurts ($1.4M) & presumably Nick Foles ($6.7M), the cap hit for QBs will only be $41.9M.
However, that $41.9M, which could drop by $2.3M if Nick Foles restructures his deal after traded to Philadelphia, isn’t too bad when compared to others in the NFL. Next year, the Cowboys will pay Dak Prescott & a backup around $41M. The Packers will pay Aaron Rodgers & Jordan Love around $41M. The Steelers pay Ben Roethlisberger & a backup around $44M.
So, even with the cap situation being a big talking point, if Hurts can lead the Eagles next season, the cap number won’t be too bad compared to other teams in NFL.