Patriots: Should Carson Wentz trade be on Bill Belichick’s radar?

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots limped to a 7-9 finish in 2020, as Cam Newton was unable to successfully step in and replicate what Tom Brady did for 20 seasons. The Patriots will need to turn over every stone in order to find a quarterback for 2021 if Newton doesn’t return, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz could be an interesting project.

Wentz played so poorly in 2020 — a season in which he led the league in interceptions with 15 and sacks taken with 50 despite only starting 12 games — that Doug Pederson was fired in favor of Colts OC Nick Sirianni. With Sirianni apparently preferring Jalen Hurts, Wentz is on the trade block, per the latest reports.

Wentz might be on the move this offseason based on the buzz that the Eagles have already spoken to several teams about a trade. The Patriots, if they’re interested in Wentz, can’t hesitate if they want to land a player they think could lead a turnaround on offense.

Should a Carson Wentz trade be on the Patriots’ radar?

It’s easy to forget that Wentz was on pace to win an MVP in 2017 before an injury ended his season in Week 14. He was awful in 2020, yes, but the Eagles had minimal help at wide receiver and were trying different offensive line combinations every week. Hopefully, New England can provide him with more structure and support.

Still, Wentz needs a lot of work, as he looked nothing like the quarterback who appeared to be on pace for an MVP award. Belichick, however, has become a master of reclamation projects, and Wentz is a quarterback that might be able to have more success in New England since he has a better arm and has been healthy for the last two years.

Belichick hasn’t had the best drafts over the last few years, and he has to be enticed by the proposition of adding veteran players over projects that he would have to develop. For all his faults, Wentz has immeasurable arm talent and playmaking ability, both of which will serve him well in New England.

If the Eagles insist on a pick and a player for Wentz, that’s a trade the Patriots should consider. It’s unlikely Wentz just completely forgot how to play quarterback, and his production behind a competent offensive line suggests that he could end up playing like the Pro Bowler that warranted that huge extension.

Losing out on a veteran like Matthew Stafford has to sting, but there are plenty of veteran quarterbacks that can step right in and get New England humming on the offensive end. With a contract that could leave New England financially flexible if he doesn’t return to his old form, Wentz looks like a viable option for the Patriots, especially if they don’t want this “rebuild” to take years.

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