The Eagles traded for a quarterback on Sunday — and a corresponding move saw a former franchise player in Philadelphia join a new team.
After the Eagles traded for Vikings backup quarterback Sam Howell, Minnesota signed Carson Wentz, Philadelphia’s former top draft pick and starting quarterback.
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero first reported the news on Sunday morning.
Wentz, who’s now on his sixth NFL team in as many years, is expected to back up Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy after Minnesota shipped Howell to Philadelphia.
The Eagles needed an experienced reserve quarterback behind Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee suffered a non-surgical finger injury last week. His status entering the season opener against the Cowboys is up in the air.
Sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord has worked as the Eagles’ No. 3 quarterback, but he has not looked particularly good this summer. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the other quarterback on the Eagles’ roster, will likely be cut.
The Eagles’ move for Howell, the Washington Commanders’ starter a couple years ago, opened the door for Minnesota to bring in Wentz.
Wentz, 32, was the Eagles’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft. The former South Dakota State star had his best season in 2017, finishing third in the MVP voting while throwing for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns in 13 games.
Wentz, however, suffered a knee injury and missed the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl, which was engineered by backup quarterback and fan favorite Nick Foles.
Philadelphia traded Wentz to the Colts prior to the 2021 season thanks to the emergence of Hurts, who the Eagles selected in the second round in 2020. Wentz has since played for Washington (2022), the Rams (2023) and the Chiefs (2024).
Over the course of his career, Wentz has thrown for 22,410 yards, 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions over nine seasons.
The Eagles and Vikings will square off on Oct. 19 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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