As Eagles general manager Howie Roseman prepares for his second Super Bowl appearance in five years, with a championship ring already in hand and a franchise quarterback poised for a substantial $40 million annual contract, he chose to reflect critically on his former top draft pick, Carson Wentz.
Wentz’s career took a nosedive following injuries and dissatisfaction after the Eagles selected Jalen Hurts, leading to his trade to Indianapolis. After a brief stint there and another trade to Washington, he faced benchings and reinsertions.
Roseman commented on the competitive nature of the NFL, stating, “If you’re concerned about competition—if you’re concerned about us adding depth and talent—you’re probably not suited for that position.”
Hurts was drafted in April 2020, a year after Wentz signed a record-breaking $128 million extension meant to secure him in Philadelphia for six seasons. Despite leading the Eagles to a third straight playoff appearance, Wentz’s future was questioned with Hurts’ addition, initially seen as a potential backup or trade asset.
Roseman defended the decision by citing concerns over Wentz’s durability. “We needed to ensure we had depth,” Roseman explained. “Carson had played only 12 snaps across six playoff games.”
Wentz’s discontent led to the dismissal of head coach Doug Pederson and his subsequent trade to Indianapolis, where his reunion with coach Frank Reich failed to revive his career. As Hurts and the Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, Wentz’s future remains uncertain, further complicating his legacy.
Roseman concluded, “Our goal is to bring in top talent. If you can’t surpass the player we drafted, how can you compete with the best in the league?”