SF 49ers aren’t handcuffed like these 3 other quarterback contracts

No. 3: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Contract Value: $128 million ($32 million annual average)

Not long ago, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz looked as if he’d be the next proverbial star in the making under center.

But that’s all changed, and 2020 brought to light the realization Philly was going to move on and switch roles to that year’s rookie quarterback, Jalen Hurts, which appeared to revamp the offense and signaled Wentz’s time with the Eagles was drawing to the close.

But, how?

From a financial standpoint, it’s nearly impossible for the Eagles to move on from Wentz’s total cap hit of $34.7 million in 2021. At least without a negative cap savings of nearly $25 million.

From Over the Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald:

"The cost to cut Wentz is $59.22 million prior to June 1 and $34.67 million if designated a June 1 cut. Wentz earns a $15 million guarantee for 2022 if he is on the roster on the 3rd day of the league year as well.  A team acquiring Wentz would carry cap hits of $25.4 million, $22 million, $25 million, and $26 million so four years for and average of $24.6 million a year with $47.4 million guaranteed."

Like the SF 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo, Wentz has dealt with a recent injury history. But the latter has also faced some awfully lackluster play on the field, whereas Garoppolo can at least cite coming off nearly a 4,000-yard passing campaign from 2019.

New Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has expressed desire to continue working with Wentz to get him back to the player many thought he’d become.

But in reality, the contractual situation with Wentz essentially means Philadelphia doesn’t exactly have any other choice aside from paying the quarterback nearly $35 million to sit on the bench.