Let's Set Odds: Will Carson Wentz Be Starting Quarterback of Colts in 2022?

Year one of the Carson Wentz experiment in Indianapolis was an… experience. 

The Indianapolis Colts finished the season 9-8 after starting 1-4, which should be a good thing. However, they missed the playoffs after losing the league-worst Jacksonville Jaguars on the final day of the regular season – making the season a step back from last season’s playoff appearance.

Along the way, Wentz had several ups and downs. However, the last month of the season was mainly down for Wentz. He threw for under 200 yards three times and led the Colts to a 2-2 record. 

Wentz didn’t perform well enough to where we can assume the Colts are thrilled with the idea of him being the quarterback of the future. This is Wentz’s last chance to prove he is the guy. Or has that opportunity already passed?

Odds Carson Wentz Will Be The Colts’ Starting Quarterback in 2022

• Yes: -250
• No: +200

Wentz Will Be Back

While Wentz wasn’t his best self this year (or maybe he was), the Colts’ lack of a playoff berth falls a lot on their 0-3 start. In Wentz’s defense, the Colts had one of the tougher schedules to open the season. They played a healthy Seattle Seahawks team, the Los Angeles Rams and then the Tennessee Titans. 

Along with that, the Colts have all the pieces to be a win-now team. Jonathan Taylor is in his prime, the offensive line is one of the best in the league and the defense is still able to be competent. Starting quarterbacks don’t just grow on trees and the Colts might ultimately decide that Wentz is their best option. 

Also, Indianapolis lost their first-round pick because Wentz played over 75% of the snaps this year, which kind of means the Colts are stuck with him. 

Wentz Won’t Be Back

For the level of production Wentz was giving the Colts, they can pay someone much less than that and be just fine. The Colts have a potential out with Wentz’s contract and can cut him to save around $13 million dollars. Yes, losing a draft pick and then not keeping the player you traded the pick to get isn’t a good look, but knowing when you’ve lost is a valuable skill. 

Like I said earlier, the Colts’ roster is set up to win right now. If Chris Ballard doesn’t think Wentz can lead to the playoffs at minimum, he has to go. The money the Colts save on Wentz’ contract can be used in problem areas. 

They tried something and it didn’t work. Time to move on.