Finding a quarterback is the biggest objective for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and among the potentially available options is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
As the offseason begins, the Eagles have reportedly begun fielding trade calls from several teams in regards to Wentz. It hasn’t been reported if the Colts are among those teams but given their need at the position, it wouldn’t be surprising if they put their feelers out.
The Colts, of course, have been linked to the Eagles as a potential trade partner for Wentz given their need at quarterback and the relationship head coach Frank Reich had with the 28-year-old from his time as being the offensive coordinator in Philly.
But now it comes time to figure out whether the Colts should be interested—even if he hasn’t officially requested a trade. At one point, Wentz was in the conversation for the MVP award. It has been a steep fall since then, though, and it isn’t clear if he can regain his form.
Pros
Wentz has the tools to be a successful quarterback with the Colts. He has the arm talent, mobility and experience of working in an RPO system with Reich. Those are all positives when it comes to acquiring Wentz.
He’s also young enough to where, if he does find that form again, he can be under center for years to come.
We have seen Wentz be a top quarterback in the league. That doesn’t mean he can find that form again but we’ve at least seen it. And it was done with Reich as his offensive coordinator. So there’s something to be said about that potential.
Cons
But the 2020 season will put a sour taste in the mouths of those who watched him play. Wentz’s decision-making was often questionable at best and he was inaccurate for the majority of the season.
His 70.1% adjusted completion rate was 28th in the NFL among qualified quarterbacks, per Pro Football Focus. His 48.6 passer rating under pressure was 24th in the NFL among qualified quarterbacks.
Then, there are the injuries. Three consecutive seasons ended with an injury to the point where the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft.
There are also reports about Wentz being uncoachable. How much of that is true, we may never know. Only those on the inside know how dire that situation is. But it’s not a good look nonetheless if the Eagles are trying to shop Wentz as well as for whichever team would be acquiring him.
That said, the Colts have the type of locker room culture to fix that quickly.
Compensation
Compensation is a big factor. The Eagles are reportedly looking for first-round compensation. That’s a price the Colts shouldn’t pay for Wentz. At best, a late Day 2 pick could be in the conversation but the Colts should be looking for a bargain when it comes to Wentz.
Not only would the Colts be acquiring a quarterback with on-field issues and potential locker room issues, but they would also be taking on a massive contract that Wentz has yet to prove he’s worth. If traded before March 10, which is when a $10 million roster bonus kicks in, the new team would be taking on $25.4 million for 2021 and a four-year, $98.4 million existing contract.
What might soften the blow of that is potential renegotiations but they also might be able to swing the Eagles throwing in a draft pick because Indy would be taking on the contract—essentially buying a future pick(s).
Final Verdict
So when it comes down to it, the Colts should at least call and see what the price is. Maybe they can “buy” another draft pick from the Eagles for taking on the Wentz contract in addition to getting him cheap.
But paying a premium price for Wentz, who played like a bottom-five quarterback in 2020, shouldn’t be on the to-do list for the Colts.
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