New England Patriots: 5 Quarterbacks who could take over in 2021
New England Patriots 2021 QB option No. 4: Carson Wentz
One quarterback that has been under the microscope basically all season long has been Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
Wentz, a former No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, has taken a big step back under center in Philadelphia in his fifth year in the NFL and with the Eagles this season. That has even led the team deciding to bench him to start rookie backup Jalen Hurts.
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Even with Wentz’s struggles on offense and Philadelphia trying appearing to look elsewhere to see if it can find a different quarterback to lead the passing game, it’s not likely that Wentz will end up departing being moved by the Eagles especially with his contract situation.
About a year and a half ago, Wentz agreed to a four-year, $128 million extension with the Eagles, $107.9 million of that guaranteed. Because of his contract, Philadelphia can’t afford to just release the 28-year-old quarterback, since that would result in a $60 million salary cap hit in 2021.
However, a team elsewhere in the NFL might decide they think Wentz still has something to offer and a fresh start could help rejuvenate his career in the NFL. That would have to come via trade, and the Patriots could be a team that views Wentz as a worthy project.
With New England’s lack of answers at quarterback for the long term future, perhaps it could take a shot on Wentz and Bill Belichick would be willing to take on the task of helping the quarterback turn things around. The Patriots could afford the veteran quarterback, as they have plenty of cap space going into the 2021 season to potentially make a deal such as this.
Although it’s not likely New England goes out and makes a splash such as this leading into the 2021 season, if the Patriots think Wentz can be fixed and could be the answer under center moving forward, they might just take a chance on him.