Eagles' Carson Wentz Extension Could Totally Blow Up in Their Faces

The Philadelphia Eagles sent shockwaves throughout the NFL on Thursday when it was announced that the organization agreed to a four-year contract extension with oft-injured quarterback Carson Wentz.

And what makes the news all the more shocking is the sheer size of the deal. Per Adam Schefter, the former North Dakota State star will receive $128 million over those four years, with $107 million being guaranteed from the team.

The question now begging to be asked, however, is if it was wise to throw this kind of money to a player who hasn't played a full season since his rookie campaign in 2016?

Even if you are in love with Wentz wouldn’t you want him to start all 16 games this season, prove he’s healthy and then pay him. Potential downside of this deal outweighs the upside.
— Cian (@Cianaf) June 7, 2019

The move should absolutely be considered a gamble for general manager Howie Roseman. Assuming Wentz stays healthy this season, the GM probably locked him up for roughly $10 million cheaper per year by doing the deal now instead of waiting for the next phase of QBs to sign and drive up the AAV.

But you and I both know what they say about people who assume.

Think about it for a second, Philly fans. Think about how microscopic $10 million is to a team like the Eagles. Why not wait a season to determine if he is FULLY recovered from his ACL surgery in 2017? Why not wait to see if his lingering, pesky back injury from a season ago is FULLY healed?

Eagles are giving Carson Wentz a four-year, $128 million contract extension that include guarantees over $107 million, per source.

Wentz’s total deal is now six years for $154 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2019

Don't get us wrong. Wentz is a Pro-Bowler on the verge of superstardom. But Roseman and the Eagles are simply betting on a dynamic that is impossible to project, a dynamic that should've been the determining factor in extending Carson -- his questionable-at-best long term health.