Carson Wentz trade is still paying big dividends for Eagles
Two seasons since deciding to part ways with quarterback Carson Wentz, the Philadelphia Eagles are still benefiting greatly from the trade of the former second-overall pick.
Picking up a first and third-rounder in 2022 for Wentz, the Eagles subsequently moved those picks in separate deals, ultimately leading to the acquisition of Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Brown and arguably the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The Eagles moved up to select Carter, acquiring the No. 9 pick from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 fourth-rounder and the No. 10 pick, which they received in a trade with the New Orleans Saints last season, for three draft choices, including the 2022 first-rounder obtained in the Wentz deal.
The Wentz first-rounder sent to the Saints also produced the 18th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, which the Eagles traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Brown during last year's festivities in Las Vegas.
As for the third-rounder from the Wentz deal, the Eagles used that to select budding young receiver DeVonta Smith. To do so, they packaged the pick and their first choice in 2021 to the Dallas Cowboys, which ultimately helped the NFC East rival net two-time All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. But, sometimes, you have to give to get.
Brown has already made a difference, leading the Eagles' charge to Super Bowl LVII alongside Wentz's replacement, quarterback Jalen Hurts, but the jury is still out on Carter. Still, the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman get credit for putting the franchise in a position to pick up a player many draft pundits believe was the best talent available this year.
After some questionable picks in the past, such as choosing wide receiver Jalen Reagor or Justin Jefferson, Roseman's draft savvy has only improved. Since the Reagor debacle, Roseman has selected the team's franchise QB in Hurts and added weapons in Smith and Kenneth Gainwell while drafting Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens to protect him. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Roseman brought in Milton Williams, Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean before selecting two more Georgia Bulldogs in Carter and Nolan Smith on Thursday.
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