The Indianapolis Colts’ ongoing search for a quarterback is currently centered on confidence-shattered Philadelphia Eagles star Carson Wentz, who has surprisingly been made available for trade despite the dismissal of head coach Doug Pederson.
At this point, this is what we know so far: the Colts are essentially looking to bend the Eagles’ delusional initial asking price, which reportedly included two first-round picks. Next came the report that revealed Indy, if they ended up pulling the trigger on a deal, wouldn’t immediately commit to a long-term marriage with Wentz, hinting that they aren’t entirely sold on him.
In the subsequent days, fans have been chomping at the bit to know what the Colts’ counter offer was, and Eagles legend Ron Jaworski, of all people, disclosed that information during a recent interview.
Per the veteran analyst, Indianapolis has proposed two second-round selections, with maybe a third or fourth included as well.
Here’s what the Colts offered the Eagles for Carson Wentz.
"“The Eagles and Howie Roseman are trying to prop Carson Wentz up to create the best value,” said Jaworski. “The talk is them trying to get a No. 1, almost similar to what Detroit got in the Jared Goff situation. That won’t happen here. That will not happen.”“My understanding is that the Colts have offered two second-round draft choices, maybe a third or fourth somewhere down the road. That appears to be the best offer…the best actual offer that has been made.”"
👀 Talked to Ron Jaworski about the Carson Wentz - Eagles Trade Drama
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) February 11, 2021
“My understanding is that the Colts have offered 2 - 2nd round draft choices, maybe a 3rd or 4th down the road. That appears to be the best offer I have heard”#Eagles holding out for 1st!@6abc@JawsCEOQB pic.twitter.com/kYVbhwnL3h
If you’ve been paying attention to anything GM Chris Ballard has been saying, this reported offer shouldn’t come as a surprise. The 53-year-old has stressed that he won’t act out of desperation, and two-second round picks with potentially a third or fourth to sweeten the pot is certainly something the fan base could get behind … even though it might still be too much for Wentz considering how awful he was under center this past season.
For any fans questioning the validity behind this rumor, Jaworski, though he obviously isn’t one of the league’s esteemed insiders, spent 10 years of his professional career with the Eagles and it’s widely understood that he has existing ties to the organization. Exercise caution if you wish, but odds are the former quarterback’s intel is accurate here.
Feels like an interesting standstill on the Carson Wentz trade front, with the Colts (and other interested teams) showing over the last week that they're not gonna budge on the Eagles' very, very steep initial offer. We'll see if that changes, and who (if anyone) blinks first.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 12, 2021
As far as negotiations are concerned, what matters now is what (if any) other proposals the Eagles have to sort through. The Bears are the only organization mentioned by name in terms of being a player in the sweepstakes, but rumors indicate Philadelphia has taken calls from several teams.
Whatever the case, the only thing Colts fans can do now is sit and wait. However, they can no doubt take solace in the fact that the front office has refused to budge in their evaluation of Wentz, because the Eagles’ reported demands are as laughable as can be.
Colts reportedly trying to bend Eagles’ demands in Carson Wentz trade
In light of the Colts' ongoing pursuit for a quarterback, they are reportedly trying to bend the Eagles' demands in negotiations for Carson Wentz.