Report: Carson Wentz wants to move on from Eagles if Jalen Hurts continues to start at quarterback

Carson Wentz is not happy about the Philadelphia Eagles benching him for Jalen Hurts.

So much so that Wentz wants to move on if the Eagles continue to start Hurts at quarterback, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Carson Wentz is not interested in being a backup quarterback and would want to move on from the Eagles if the current situation — with Jalen Hurts starting under center — continues in Philadelphia, sources connected to the team tell ESPN.

Although the Eagles’ quarterback situation remains fluid with three games left this season, Wentz is not pleased with the way events have unfolded in the organization, according to sources.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson has not stated whether the quarterback switch is permanent — only going so far as to announce Hurts as the starter for Sunday, but player and team sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen last weekend that Hurts will remain the starter this season.

Philadelphia’s decision to bench Wentz for Hurts has garnered attention of other teams around the NFL, with some expected to inquire about Wentz’s availability in a trade, according to sources.

Well, then.

There’s a lot to unpack here. Some thoughts:

• No one can blame Wentz for wanting to be a starter. But no one can blame the Eagles for justifiably benching him. Wentz has been one of the very worst quarterbacks in the NFL this season.
• This reporting makes sense when you consider how delicately the Eagles have treated Wentz’s benching. Doug Pederson was very muted when it came to praising Hurts after the Eagles’ Week 14 victory over the New Orleans Saints and initially refused to name Hurts as the Eagles’ Week 15 starter.
• This reporting also lines up with what Dan Orlovsky said about how “a lot of people feel that Wentz feels betrayed.”
• There’s been thought that the Eagles should bring Wentz and Hurts back for 2021 and hold a quarterback competition to determine next year’s starter. It seems like Wentz wants no part of that scenario.
• Trading Wentz this offseason won’t be the easiest maneuver of all time but it’s not an impossible option. Maybe he’d be willing to help facilitate a deal (via contract restructure) if the Eagles want to stick with Hurts?
• I do believe the Eagles have failed Wentz in certain respects by failing to adequately support him. But Wentz has also majorly failed himself by not being coachable. Look at Josh Allen’s development by contrast.

• In this vein, it’s pretty concerning that Wentz seemingly hasn’t used his benching to reflect and realize he needs to humble himself. This shouldn’t be a shock since he said he saw no value whatsoever in being removed as a starter. Too much arrogance.
• Turning back to Wentz this season would be foolish, especially if the offense continues to operate more functionally without him.
• ESPN’s reporting indicates the Eagles aren’t going to turn back to Wentz this year. So ... how is he going to handle that? The Eagles don’t have to acquiesce to his trade demands. But certainly not a great situation to have your potential franchise quarterback demanding his way out of town!