From Bust to Boon: Unraveling the Carson Wentz Trade Tree

How the Eagles Won the Carson Wentz Trade and Built a Bright Future

Introduction

The Philadelphia Eagles made a controversial decision in the 2020 NFL Draft when they selected quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round. This move raised eyebrows, considering they had just signed Carson Wentz to a lucrative contract extension. Many viewed it as a luxury pick, as Hurts was expected to serve as a backup, barring an injury to Wentz. However, as it turned out, the Eagles’ foresight in drafting Hurts proved to be a stroke of genius. Wentz struggled during the 2020 season, prompting the Eagles to make a quarterback change. This decision necessitated trading Wentz during the 2021 offseason, which ultimately led to the Eagles acquiring valuable assets that would shape their future.

The Wentz Trade Details

The Eagles traded Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for a relatively modest price. They received a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 first-round pick. The first-round pick would become a reality if Wentz played 75 percent or more of the snaps for the Colts or if he played 70 percent of the snaps and the Colts made the playoffs. As Wentz met the first condition, the Colts relinquished their first-round pick to the Eagles.

The Value of the Trade

In hindsight, the Eagles clearly won the Wentz trade. Wentz struggled in Indianapolis and lasted only one season as a starter. Although his statistics were respectable, he made critical mistakes that cost the Colts a chance at the playoffs. Given that Wentz was ultimately traded by the Colts, it’s evident that the Eagles extracted great value from the deal. While the trade may have seemed cheap at the time, it proved to be an astute move for Philadelphia.

Assets Acquired from the Wentz Trade

The Eagles used the assets acquired in the Wentz trade to make significant moves and acquire key players for their roster. Three players, in particular, stand out as significant contributors to the team’s success: wide receiver DeVonta Smith, wide receiver A.J. Brown, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

DeVonta Smith

The Eagles used a third-round pick acquired in the Wentz trade to help facilitate a trade-up to select DeVonta Smith in the 2021 NFL Draft. Smith has been outstanding in his two-plus seasons with the team, setting a rookie record for receiving yards and continuing to impress in subsequent seasons. He has emerged as a valuable asset for Philadelphia and a promising young receiver.

A.J. Brown

The second part of the Wentz trade allowed the Eagles to acquire the Colts’ 2022 first-round pick, the 16th overall selection. While the Eagles initially had the 19th overall pick, they traded both first-round picks to the New Orleans Saints. In return, they received the 18th overall pick, a third-round pick, a seventh-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick. With this exchange of picks, the Eagles were able to trade the 18th and 101st overall picks to the Tennessee Titans for wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown’s impact was immediate and significant, as he posted impressive numbers in his first season with the Eagles. His addition to the team provided a dynamic pairing with DeVonta Smith and helped propel the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Jalen Carter

The Eagles decided to trade their first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, which ultimately landed them the 10th pick in the 2023 draft from the Saints. They made a small trade with the Chicago Bears to move up to the ninth pick, where they selected Jalen Carter. Although Carter’s draft stock slipped due to off-field issues, he is a talented player who will strengthen the Eagles’ defensive line. The Wentz trade facilitated this move and further enhanced the team’s future prospects.

Conclusion

The Carson Wentz trade turned out to be a resounding success for the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the decision to draft Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ foresight and ability to capitalize on the assets acquired in the trade led to the acquisition of key players such as DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and Jalen Carter. These players have made significant contributions to the team and have helped position the Eagles for future success. The trade not only provided the Eagles with value for Wentz, but it also showcased the astute decision-making and strategic maneuvering of general manager Howie Roseman. Overall, the Wentz trade has proven to be a pivotal move that has had a lasting impact on the Eagles’ roster and future prospects.