5 targets for Colts in 2022 NFL free agency

Marcus Mariota could push Carson Wentz to play better, or just take over for him

Even though they could be in position to reach on their next franchise quarterback in the draft, the Colts could be in the mix to add the best quarterback available in free agency in Marcus Mariota of the Las Vegas Raiders. While he did lose his starting job in Nashville to Ryan Tannehill, there is reason to believe the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner could one day live up to his lofty draft status.

Though some may argue for Jameis Winston being the better free-agent quarterback of this class, Mariota is both healthier and less damaged goods after Winston’s two-year run with the New Orleans Saints. In short, Mariota has earned the right to get one more stab at seriously being a starting quarterback in this league. While Carson Wentz may not like that, who cares about him?

Wentz was way too reckless abandon with the football for anyone to believe he is franchise quarterback material going forward. Mariota may have come into the league a year earlier than him, but careless tendencies were not his undoing more than injuries and getting usurped by a better quarterback. Mariota is too talented and Reich is too good of a coach for this to not work.

The Colts are not winning the division with Wentz as their starter, so they must get a better one.