The Reporter (Lansdale, PA)

AP Source: Wentz needs time to think about future in Philly

- By Rob Maaddi

PHILADELPH­IA » A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday Carson Wentz needs time away to think about his future with the Philadelph­ia Eagles and is hopeful it won’t end in a divorce.

Wentz was benched for the final four games of the worst season of his five-year career and was inactive Sunday in a loss to Washington. He hasn’t spoken to reporters since Dec. 6.

Wentz also hasn’t discussed his future with team officials yet, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because it’s a private matter. The person said those conversati­ons will take place when the time is right.

Wentz’s relationsh­ip with the organizati­on is strained, according to another person close to the situation. It’ll take both sides coming together to make it work.

General manager Howie Roseman said Monday the team is not thinking about trading Wentz “right now.”

“We are talking about a guy that’s immensely talented, has a great work ethic and doing whatever we can to put him in the best possible situation to be successful,” Roseman said.

After Jalen Hurts replaced him as the starter, Wentz said: “Obviously, that’s frustratin­g as a competitor and just the personalit­y that I have, I want to be the guy out there.”

Though he hasn’t said anything publicly since those postgame comments, it’s obvious Wentz wants to play.

“No one wants to be a backup anything in this league. I do not wanna be a backup tight end. Carson Wentz doesn’t want to be a backup quarterbac­k,” said Zach Ertz, one of Wentz’s closest friends on the team. “I haven’t spoken with him (about) what his plan is for the future.”

If Wentz decides to ask for a trade, the Eagles should have several interested suitors. A reunion with Frank Reich in Indianapol­is would be an ideal scenario. Wentz thrived under Reich, who was Philadelph­ia’s offensive coordinato­r in 201617. The Colts went 11-5 with

 ?? DERIK HAMILTON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? Philadelph­ia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, from left, Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld talk during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelph­ia.
DERIK HAMILTON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Philadelph­ia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, from left, Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld talk during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelph­ia.

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