Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Trading Up For Carson Wentz Seems Unlikely

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a couple moves to fill their quarterback depth chart this offseason by re-signing Sam Bradford with significant guaranteed money and making Chase Daniel the highest-paid backup in the NFL. But they have been kicking the tires on multiple quarterbacks during the pre-draft process, and Carson Wentz has apparently moved to the top of their list.

During an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein suggested head coach Doug Pederson wants Wentz and is trying to find a way to make sure the Eagles land the North Dakota State product.

Via NJ.com:

“Make no mistake about it, I still think the Eagles first and foremost are trying to find a way to get Carson Wentz,” Zierlein said. “I know Doug Pederson loves him. I know that from people behind the scenes, in the know. That’s who he wants and that’s who he likes. It’s just going to be tough.”

After an earlier trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Eagles currently hold the No. 8 overall pick in the first round. Wentz is widely considered the top quarterback prospect in this year’s class, and a surefire top-10 pick, but if the Cleveland Browns pass on him at No. 2 overall he could fall all the way to the Eagles. More likely, though, if the Browns go another direction, Philadelphia would have to at least move ahead of the San Francisco 49ers at No. 7 if they want to be sure they get Wentz. That creates an interesting dynamic if the both teams hold the same rookie quarterback in high regard, with Chip Kelly‘s acrimonious departure from Philadelphia and ultimate landing in San Francisco.

The Eagles may covet Wentz more than any other player in the 2016 draft, but the chances of a trade up to get him seem slim. That’s not to say they shouldn’t be looking for a quarterback of the future, since Bradford and Daniel are clearly uninspiring in that respect. But assuming he is the most important voice driving Philadelphia’s interest in quarterbacks, Pederson needs to set his sights at a more realistic level between now and draft time.