First, it was Matthew Stafford. Now it appears the next quarterback domino destined to fall will be Carson Wentz. Once a possible MVP candidate who'd helped win a Super Bowl for Philadelphia, he is now all but certain to be traded by the Eagles after a falling out with the team brass. Incredible to think about considering where he was not so long ago.
The
Chicago Bears seem to be
involved in discussions for the 28-year old. Hardly a surprise. They need help at quarterback. Wentz has played at a high level in the past. GM Ryan Pace was a big fan back in 2016. John DeFilippo is on their staff and coached him his first two years in Philadelphia. It's an easy connection to make. What fans want to know is what to expect if it happens.
Namely how much will the Bears have to give up and can the trade work out in their favor? Answering that first question is impossible until a
deal actually happens. As to the second? There are some examples to look back on that might offer a preview of what is to come should the team make it happen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDN0fMql28o&ab_channel=NBCSportsChicago
History isn't on the Bears side if they go after Carson Wentz
Daunte Culpepper
Remember him? Back in 2004, Culpepper was on top of the world. He'd just thrown for over 4,700 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs. Nobody ever could've imagined what awaited him in 2005. He started out the year throwing eight interceptions to zero TDs before finally steadying himself. Then in a blowout loss to Carolina, he tore the ACL, PCL, and MCL in his knee. Then in December, he was charged for the infamous boat cruise scandal that nearly landed him in jail.
Soon a rift developed between him and the organization over his contract and status as the starter. Eventually, the Vikings decided to trade him at 29-years old to the Miami Dolphins for a 2nd round pick. People thought it was a steal at the time. In truth? Culpepper was damaged goods. He started just four games for Miami, suffering more health setbacks and also a contentious relationship with head coach Nick Saban. Culpepper left the team the next year and played just three more seasons.
Away from Minnesota, he went 3-17 as a starter with 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3Iz21I02U&ab_channel=THXALOT
Drew Bledsoe
Everybody knows the story. Bledsoe was a good quarterback for the New England Patriots in the 1990s. He made three Pro Bowls, got them to the playoffs three times, and added a Super Bowl berth in 1996. No one expected much to change going into the 2000s. Then Tom Brady happened. After Bledsoe got injured in 2001, Brady took over and never relinquished the starting job. Though Bledsoe helped them win the AFC championship to set up their Super Bowl title, it was clear his time there was over.
Just 30-years old, Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2002 for a 1st round pick. Things went well at first. He threw for over 4,300 yards with 24 TDs and 15 interceptions that year, making his fourth Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, Buffalo was in the middle of a steep decline at that point. Bledsoe declined in the following two seasons and left for Dallas by 2005. He never recaptured his old magic.
Fran Tarkenton
Fans of Carson Wentz are probably too young to know about Tarkenton. Back in the 1960s and '70s, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. When he retired, he held all the passing records at the time and was a Minnesota Vikings legend. Yet what people don't remember is it almost didn't end up that way. After a number of good years to start his career, Tarkenton developed a heated relationship with head coach Norm Van Brocklin.
Sensing the pattern yet? The Vikings were forced to deal their star at 27-years old to the New York Giants for two 1st and two 2nd round picks. Of the deals mentioned in this column, this one worked out best for the acquiring team. Tarkenton had arguably the best stretch of his career in New York, making four-straight Pro Bowls. New York squandered it though with an average roster around him. They went 7-7 twice and 9-5 once but failed to make the playoffs. By 1972, Tarkenton was traded back to Minnesota.
Assessment?
Is it possible for a Carson Wentz trade to work out? Yes. However, a common theme with these trades is the quarterback either going into a bad situation or having a problem coaching. Teams don't generally trade good QBs without a reason. Don't forget that. Wentz played well early in his career but so did Culpepper and Bledsoe. Both of them fell apart shortly after being dealt.
If the Bears go through with this, they better hope Wentz is open to coaching and that they're able to put a good enough situation around him. Otherwise, they won't get the ending they seek.
