The Indianapolis Colts’ ongoing search for a quarterback is starting to get under fans’ skin, and given the lack of ground being gained in negotiations, those feelings are justifiable.
They just better get used to it, though, because there’s no way to know for sure when it’s going to end.
If there is a positive to be had, however, the latest buzz suggests that the Chicago Bears could end up pulling themselves out of negotiations for Carson Wentz, who has apparently made it clear that he has zero interest playing for them.
This would leave the Colts as the undisputed front runners, as they would be the only known team remaining in the sweepstakes, meaning that the Philadelphia Eagles would eventually have to cave and accept their best offer…assuming they’re as inclined to unload their former No. 2 overall pick as they seem to be.
Well, it would appear that the latest trade odds are aware of this update on the negotiation front, because the Colts just became the overwhelming favorites to land Wentz, coming in with ridiculous -1200 odds, according to Fox Bet.
For context, Indianapolis’ odds an hour before this dramatic turn sat at a manageable +145.
Carson Wentz's next team odds have changed drastically...
— Kendall Beck (@KBeckEagles) February 17, 2021
An hour ago, the Colts were +145 to land Wentz. They are now -1200...
(odds via Fox Bet) pic.twitter.com/CyyOhfGMQO
The Colts appear to be leading the race for Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
It’s worth noting that we’re not entirely sure why this odds swing transpired, but you have to think it has something to do with Wentz’s trade preferences. According to reports, he would prefer to end up in Indianapolis, and that (if true) would paint the Eagles into the tightest of corners.
After previously thinking they had all the leverage — why else would they reportedly be demanding at least two first-round picks for one of the consensus worst quarterbacks in the league this past season? — that ship has definitely set sail. As a result, the Eagles will either have to trim their farcical asking price or accept that they’ll have to keep Wentz around for another year.
In a move that further proves GM Chris Ballard is one of the best executives in the business, the Colts are reportedly holding strong on their offer for Wentz, which is rumored to have featured two second-round selections, though that hasn’t been confirmed by any big-name insiders.
I don't know what the Bears will do, but if Wentz prefers Indy — which it sure seems like he does — that gives the Colts added leverage. If the Eagles are waiting for a monster offer, like the two 1s they asked for at the start, that won't come from the Colts.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 17, 2021
The only thing left to do is to wait and see if the Colts and Eagles are able to find a middle ground. For now, however, there doesn’t seem to be any real reason for either side to overplay their hand, and that undoubtedly bodes well for Indy’s chances to come out on top of this stalemate.
If this conspicuous trade odds swing doesn’t prove that, then nothing does.
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