Washington Commanders make puzzling trade for Carson Wentz
The Washington Commanders needed a quarterback, and they went the route of trading for Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts.
It has been well documented that the Washington Commanders needed a quarterback, and their solution to the problem is…..Carson Wentz?
The former 2nd overall pick from Philadelphia and current Indianapolis Colts quarterback is heading back to the NFC East and the nation’s capital after both parties agreed to a deal per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Colts are trading QB Carson Wentz to Washington for a package of packs that is thought to include two third-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/KYb7rj5ozw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022
Two third-round picks, though? That’s what’s puzzling, and given how Wentz’s most recent season in Indianapolis went makes this deal a bit more perplexing. Remember, Wentz had one of the league’s top offensive lines and a talented running back in Jonathan Taylor and performed poorly in the season finale against Jacksonville with a playoff spot on the line.
Full terms:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2022
Commanders get: QB Carson Wentz.#Colts get: This year’s third rounder and next year’s third rounder that can convert to a 2nd based on last year’s incentives.
Washington does have a talented running back in Antonio Gibson, but their offensive line is not as good as what Wentz had initially so that raises some questions. Also, Schefter reports that Washington will be paying the full $28 million due to Wentz this year, including a $5 million roster bonus due next week. A payday for sure.
Meanwhile, for the Colts, they now have the task of looking for another signal-caller. Also, they got more draft picks to help fortify their roster, so at least they got something in return.
The Washington Commanders are taking a big gamble in trading for Carson Wentz
For all of his struggles in the NFL, Carson Wentz does have some highlights. Since being taken #2 by the Eagles, he helped them to a division title in 2017 and would have been a league MVP had it not been for a torn ACL, which sidelined him for the team’s run to the Super Bowl that season.
Since then, however, locker room leaks and other injuries ultimately led to him being sent out of the city of Brotherly Love and to the Hoosier State. As mentioned before, Wentz helped the team come to the last regular-season game with a playoff spot on the line and ultimately failed to deliver against Jacksonville.
What this does for Indianapolis remains to be seen as Chris Ballard will look to find a new signal-caller that can push his talented roster to the postseason. Washington? They have their work cut out for them.