Post by One on Feb 18, 2021 10:47:43 GMT -5
Among the things we know:
Howie has his limitations, especially with drafting - apparently, because we don't really know how the "collaborative" process works inside NovaCare - but he has proven to be a master trader. It may be a mistake to undervalue his success there.
Both the Bears and the Colts need a QB, and outside of the "maybe they'll be available" group, Wentz seems to be clearly the best option for both teams. Looking at his history, 2020 seems to be an outlier. His best years were '17, '18 and '19 - in the SB year he was assumed to be the top candidate for MVP before he got hurt. Reich knows what he can do and apparently knows how to coach him to be his best, at least he probably believes that. Indy is set to WIN if they get the right QB, more than the Bears, but they think they're close too.
Because Wentz apparently wants Indy, and probably the only thing preventing that from already happening is a frugal GM, the process comes down to Howie vs. Ballard. I don't know how things work inside Indy, but I'm pretty sure Reich's familiarity with Wentz may eventually have an impact on Ballard's hard line. I doubt he'll give up crazy compensation, but when you look at their QB options, it would seem the chances of him finding a middle ground with Howie are pretty good. If Reich thinks he can get Wentz to what he was when he was good, they would be a SB contender. Can they say the same thing about other available options? And what would other presumably less attractive options cost them?
If they pass on any trade and decide to draft a QB, they'll probably have to trade up to get a solid prospect. Going from the 20's to in the top 10 would cost them more and the likelihood of getting to the SB is less with an unknown, winning it in the short term isn't realistic. So, do the Colts decide to put ultimate success as a longer term goal or compromise with Howie and go for the ring on a two year plan which is Wentz's cap timeline? It's also possible that Wentz could effectively negotiate his contract down to help make the deal with Indy more palatable to Ballard.
I actually believe the Eagles will keep Wentz if they don't get what they think is fair compensation. I get that he wants out and may pout, be a locker room distraction or sit out if he doesn't get his way. I don't think the cap implications are much different if Wentz stays and sits out or if they trade him, and I don't think they want to set a precedent of allowing a player to force his way out to the detriment of the team. It may be if he stays the new QB coach and HC will be able to make him OK with staying and bring him back to his good years.
And what if the old Wentz comes back but still wants out of Philly? If he sits out his options are minimized and he suffers but the Eagles really don't lose much. If he sucks it up and plays well maybe he'll be content here, but if not his value would increase and better landing spots than the Bears will be available. That could be next year or it could be before the trade deadline and it may still be Indy.
Just poking my head out of hibernation to think about something besides snow, shoveling and frostbite. Back to the cave.
- Wentz wants out
- Wentz wants Indy
- Indy wants Wentz
- Bears want Wentz
Howie has his limitations, especially with drafting - apparently, because we don't really know how the "collaborative" process works inside NovaCare - but he has proven to be a master trader. It may be a mistake to undervalue his success there.
Both the Bears and the Colts need a QB, and outside of the "maybe they'll be available" group, Wentz seems to be clearly the best option for both teams. Looking at his history, 2020 seems to be an outlier. His best years were '17, '18 and '19 - in the SB year he was assumed to be the top candidate for MVP before he got hurt. Reich knows what he can do and apparently knows how to coach him to be his best, at least he probably believes that. Indy is set to WIN if they get the right QB, more than the Bears, but they think they're close too.
Because Wentz apparently wants Indy, and probably the only thing preventing that from already happening is a frugal GM, the process comes down to Howie vs. Ballard. I don't know how things work inside Indy, but I'm pretty sure Reich's familiarity with Wentz may eventually have an impact on Ballard's hard line. I doubt he'll give up crazy compensation, but when you look at their QB options, it would seem the chances of him finding a middle ground with Howie are pretty good. If Reich thinks he can get Wentz to what he was when he was good, they would be a SB contender. Can they say the same thing about other available options? And what would other presumably less attractive options cost them?
If they pass on any trade and decide to draft a QB, they'll probably have to trade up to get a solid prospect. Going from the 20's to in the top 10 would cost them more and the likelihood of getting to the SB is less with an unknown, winning it in the short term isn't realistic. So, do the Colts decide to put ultimate success as a longer term goal or compromise with Howie and go for the ring on a two year plan which is Wentz's cap timeline? It's also possible that Wentz could effectively negotiate his contract down to help make the deal with Indy more palatable to Ballard.
I actually believe the Eagles will keep Wentz if they don't get what they think is fair compensation. I get that he wants out and may pout, be a locker room distraction or sit out if he doesn't get his way. I don't think the cap implications are much different if Wentz stays and sits out or if they trade him, and I don't think they want to set a precedent of allowing a player to force his way out to the detriment of the team. It may be if he stays the new QB coach and HC will be able to make him OK with staying and bring him back to his good years.
And what if the old Wentz comes back but still wants out of Philly? If he sits out his options are minimized and he suffers but the Eagles really don't lose much. If he sucks it up and plays well maybe he'll be content here, but if not his value would increase and better landing spots than the Bears will be available. That could be next year or it could be before the trade deadline and it may still be Indy.
Just poking my head out of hibernation to think about something besides snow, shoveling and frostbite. Back to the cave.
