The Philadelphia Eagles have their quarterback of the future under contract.
Carson Wentz signed a four-year contract on Thursday, the team announced. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth $26.67 million and includes a $17.6 million signing bonus, per a source involved with the deal.
The second-overall pick in the draft, Wentz will compete with veteran Sam Bradford and backup Chase Daniel, who both inked new deals with the Eagles this offseason. With Bradford set to make $26 million guaranteed over the next two years, it's possible Wentz will be placed in bubble wrap as a rookie.
If Wentz shines, though, new coach Doug Pederson could look beyond Bradford's weighty financials in favor of the celebrated rookie the Eagles fell in love with during the pre-draft process. After trading a bundle of selections to Cleveland for No. 2 overall pick, Philly made it crystal clear that Bradford isn't seen as the long-term answer under center.
Wentz gives the Eagles a big-bodied, strong-armed passer with plus mobility. The former North Dakota State star has drawn comparisons to everyone from Ben Roethlisberger to Blake Bortles, with one scout telling Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "I see everything. Arm strength. Accuracy. Toughness. Athletic ability. Smart. Great kid."
Said another scout: "He's a genius, Wentz is. He could be really good. He's the best runner, he's the best athlete. He is off the charts."
Doubters point to the lack of big-time competition at North Dakota State, but the Eagles see a prototypical passer in the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Wentz. For his size, he's also unusually mobile and will give Pederson plenty to work with for years to come.
The quarterback competition in Philly will garner plenty of attention this summer, especially after Bradford awkwardly lobbied for a trade after Wentz was drafted. First-round quarterbacks don't sit for long in today's NFL, and Wentz will have his chance sooner than later if Bradford continues his milquetoast play on the field.
