Eagles Betting Odds Show Wentz Out, Hurts Starting In 2021

• Rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts will make his first career start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New Orleans Saints.
• Carson Wentz has thrown an NFL leading 15 interceptions this season.
• Carson Wentz has +175 odds of being traded in the offseason by the Philadelphia Eagles.

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season as they have a 3-8-1 record and have fallen back in the NFC East division race. The NFC East has by far been the worst division in the NFL this season as no team has a winning record.

Much of the Eagles’ struggles can be attributed to their struggles at the quarterback position as Carson Wentz leads the NFL in interceptions this year.

Wentz just signed a massive 4-year/$128-million extension with the team in June 2019. After experiencing the way the 2020 season has transpired, the Eagles have to be feeling remorseful. However, releasing Wentz likely won’t be the answer as the Eagles won’t take the massive amount of dead cap space ($59 million) that cutting the 2016 second overall pick would create.

The Eagles drafted former national championship quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round and Hurts will now replace Wentz as the starter for the Eagles in their Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints and possibly beyond.

Hurts getting his first career start will make some NFL bettors winners as we’ve already previously written that Hurts was listed at -115 to start a regular-season game this season.

The quarterback issue for the Eagles has led to Bovada posting an NFL Specials prop regarding if Wentz will be traded this offseason.

Winner: Yes (+175). The Philadelphia Eagles are paying big money to Carson Wentz and now could be looking for a way to unload the massive contract to improve other areas of the team.

The Eagles have one of the most aggressive front offices in the NFL. Trading Wentz and going with the cheaper talent at quarterback is a viable option especially for a team with as many issues as the Eagles. The +175 odds on Wentz getting traded should be taken especially if Jalen Hurts can show some flashes under center in his first career start.

The Wentz contract might keep some teams from making an offer but there are a few quarterback-needy teams who will likely roll the dice on Wentz.

The #Eagles will likely be able to get a 1st round pick for Carson Wentz if they decide to trade him this offseason. At worst a 2nd round pick. His contract for a new team isn't bad and he is very easy for a HC/GM to talk themselves into.

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 8, 2020

Winner: Jalen Hurts (-130). Wentz’s early injury history could cause the Eagles to pull the trigger on an offer they get for the signal-caller and at his price they’d be wise to do so. Although Hurts is still developing, the Eagles can still build around him while also being able to implement the RPO the way head coach Doug Pederson wants.

The way Hurts plays against the Saints and Eagles’ remaining schedule will be the biggest factor in Philadelphia deciding between Hurts or Wentz. Bettors should take the -130 odds that Hurts will be the starting quarterback for the Eagles next year because it seems the writing on the wall has already been laid out for Wentz and it’s that the Eagles have no problem moving on from him.

Philadelphia Eagles Remaining Schedule

• @ Arizona Cardinals
• @ Dallas Cowboys
• Vs. Washington Football Team

Depending on how Hurts develops the Eagles could build their roster around him.

Using the potential cap space savings from trading Wentz, the Eagles could reload in free agency and still remain in playoff contention in a weak NFC East next season. While keeping Wentz as an option for the Eagles seems unlikely, they’ll go down that path especially considering his performances this season.