The Carson Wentz offseason drama is finally over. The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick that can become a first.
At first look, this is an incredible trade for Chris Ballard and company. All reports had pointed to the Eagles looking for at least one first-round pick for Wentz and possibly even more. Leaked reports out of Chicago said that the Bears were going to pull the trigger on Wentz by shipping out Nick Foles, Tarik Cohen, and a first-round pick. So by only giving up this year’s third-rounder and at most next year’s first-rounder, you have to be pretty happy as a Colts fan.
On one hand…
On the other side of this, the Colts could be making a Trent Richardson trade yet again by acquiring Wentz. The Colts are a team who many would say are a quarterback away from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Franchise quarterbacks don’t grow on trees but by trading for Wentz you’re going all-in with him being your guy.
Wentz was sacked a league-leading 50 times in 2020 and according to Pro Football Focus, was the worst-rated quarterback of the season. How much of that was the Eagle’s fault and how much of that was Wentz’s fault? Only time will tell. 2020 was objectively bad for Wentz and the Colts know that, actually the whole league knows that. What we do know is that it looked like Wentz completely forgot how to play football last season and that’s not exactly a trait you want in a guy who is supposed to the missing piece to your team’s Super Bowl run.
There’s a part of this trade that makes me feel like I just started dating my friend’s ex who I already know all the red flags about. For the Colts, let’s hope those red flags were only applicable to the Eagles.
Could be a home run
Yes, if you’re a Colts fan there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about Carson Wentz. And you’re completely justified in being wary of him until he gives you a reason to believe. But, there are a number of reasons to get excited.
Frank Reich
This point has been beaten into the ground for months but still remains. Frank Reich was the Eagles offensive coordinator in 2017 when Wentz had his almost MVP caliber season. He probably would’ve been the MVP if he wouldn’t have gotten hurt. Can Reich put Wentz into a situation where he’ll be able to get loose and comfortable again? Will Reich be able to get Wentz back to his true self? We’ve seen what Reich did with Andrew Luck, Philip Rivers, and even Jacoby Brissett. Reich is considered to be a quarterback guru and this trade is putting a lot of confidence in his ability to rediscover Carson Wentz.
He won’t get sacked 50 times
Getting sacked a million times is why Andrew Luck ultimately had to retire early. What happened to Carson Wentz in Philly is exactly what forced the Colts to build one of the strongest O-lines in the NFL. A line that they continue to add to every season. Whatever the o/u gets set at for Carson Wentz sacks this season, I’d make sure you take the under on it. If the Colts do one thing right it’s that they don’t let the defense get to their quarterback.
Chris Ballard
Since taking over as the Colts GM, Ballard has refused to compromise and does things his way and his way only. Even when he has money to spend he doesn’t always do it. He’s been adamant about building the right culture in the locker room before he spends any money and that’s exactly what he’s done. He’s won the NFL draft every single season by dominating the middle rounds. Bringing in Quentin Nelson, Darius Leonard, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr, and Justin Blackmon. Then he’s traded for DeForest Buckner and now Carson Wentz. If Ballard believes in Wentz, then we as fans should do. Ballard rarely strikes out. He’ll give Wentz all the tools he’ll need to succeed as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis.
Overall
For the first time in his career, Wentz will have a top running back under 25 years old, a top 10 defense, and a top 10 O-line. Not to mention his coach from his best NFL season. If Wentz flops in Indianapolis it will be no one’s fault but his own. But if he works out, he could be joining Peyton Manning as the only other quarterback to win a Super Bowl in Indianapolis.