Fans of the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts react to former Colts quarterback Carson Wentz being traded to the Commanders.
Aaron Rodgers’ decision to stay in Green Bay kicked off a domino effect among NFL quarterback moves. Shortly thereafter, Russell Wilson announced his move to the Denver Broncos, and it’s just been announced that Colts quarterback Carson Wentz is the one moving to where Wilson was once expected to go: the Washington Commanders.
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
With that, the Colts are losing their one-year franchise quarterback, while the Commanders are getting a six-year NFL veteran who had a spectacular 2017 Super Bowl season.
While a new report questioning Wentz’ leadership in Philadelphia has emerged, he will now have a chance to challenge the franchise that scorned him at least twice a year—and maybe in Week 18 for another rivalry match. The rampant quarterback turnover for the Colts and Commanders prompted a big reaction from fans and players alike.
Colts, Commanders react to Carson Wentz trade news
Ian Rapoport added important context for why the trade went down: the Commanders didn’t want to wait for Jimmy Garoppolo, which means he’s now the Colts’ expected pick.
The Commanders called on ever QB and end up with Carson Wentz from the #Colts in exchange for mid-round picks. They weren’t going to wait for Jimmy G, didn’t land Russell Wilson. Now end up with Carson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2022
The #Colts have now entered the QB race again, and expect them to be in the mix for Jimmy Garoppolo, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2022
Letting go of Wentz makes the Colts potentially vulnerable at quarterback, but the increased space gives them so much room to work with in free agency.
If the Commanders have agreed to take on all of Carson Wentz's compensation, as reported, the Colts are going to have an unfathomable amount of salary cap space next week. Holy shit.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 9, 2022
The #Colts being able to trade Carson Wentz and have Washington take on the entire contract is massive. His entire $28.2M cap number comes off the books and there's no dead money left over. #Colts are now set to have the most cap space (over $70M) in the NFL entering free agency.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 9, 2022
Field Yates notes that Wentz will get his fill of revenge games next season as he plays the Eagles and Colts.
https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1501634198263713803
Some are reminding the world why Wentz is being traded after one year with the Colts, reliving a moment of glory when he threw an inexplicable pick.
Best interception ever. Tricked them into picking it off and allowing colts to stay in the game. Headey athlete pic.twitter.com/sASPt2r8BP
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) March 9, 2022
Darius Leonard doesn’t seem thrilled to see his fifth quarterback in his fifth season with the Colts. Still, he wished the best for Wentz in his new chapter.
Here we go again! About to be 5 years with the Colts and 5 different QBs! Thank you Carson for everything this year my guy! Wish you nothing but the best!
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) March 9, 2022
Colts' Week 1 starting QB by year:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 9, 2022
2016: Andrew Luck
2017: Scott Tolzien
2018: Andrew Luck
2019: Jacoby Brissett
2020: Philip Rivers
2021: Carson Wentz
2022: TBD
For the 6th straight season, Indy won't have the same starting QB in Week 1 as it did the year before.
Leonard’s comment signal an important component of team-building: it’s impossible to do when your franchise quarterback changes every season. The fact that the Colts made the playoff twice in the past five years, and almost made the playoffs in 2021, makes their ability to recover from quarterback turnover remarkable.
NFL journalists imagine that no matter the other offers, it seems the Commanders definitely overpaid for Wentz.
I can't believe the Commanders gave up two third-round picks and agreed to take Carson Wentz's full contract off the Colts' hands. I bet the Colts can't believe it either. I'd love to know the second-best offer the Colts got, because I think the Commanders overpaid by a lot.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) March 9, 2022
Colts found some suckers https://t.co/w1U5oQJhHz
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) March 9, 2022
The Colts packaging Carson Wentz pic.twitter.com/xKiH1mGPYI
— OLIVIA witherite⁷ (@Oliviawitherite) March 9, 2022
The move also adds context to what Eagles general manager Howie Roseman accomplished when he first traded away Wentz.
Couple things -
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 9, 2022
1. Howie Roseman fleeced the Colts.
2. The Colts may have fleeced Washington to get 2 3rd rounders.
Comparing what the Eagles got for Wentz last year and what the Colts got for him this year, I’d say GM Howie Roseman did OK.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 9, 2022
If the Seahawks and Colts continue to rebuild, Seattle could trade Tyler Lockett to the Colts with their renewed cap space.
https://twitter.com/DariusJButler/status/1501600622310825986
As for the Commanders, there’s an idea of how the season is already going to turn out with Wentz at the helm.
https://twitter.com/BetMGM/status/1501643305909735425
You just acquired a quarterback from a team that would rather have Jimmy Garoppolo, @Commanders. Think about what you’ve done. https://t.co/udXxSUR98o
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 9, 2022
“Washington Commanders QB Carson Wentz” has drastically worse vibes than “Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke”
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 9, 2022
Carson Wentz to the Commanders
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 9, 2022
Commanders fans: pic.twitter.com/Jftwa15ZvJ
It’s not certain how the Colts will fare without Wentz, but there’s already a good idea of how the Commanders will do with Wentz as a part of the rebrand.