What is the best landing spot for Carson Wentz?
By: Jake Rajala
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz couldn’t lead the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs last season. Wentz unveiled a modest 27 passing touchdowns and 3,563 passing yards in 2021. Although, he struggled in big-time moments. Wentz had a slightly below mediocre game (185 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 interception) in a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the final week of the season, which eliminated their chances of making it into the playoffs. The Colts also had unfortunate losses against the Las Vegas Raiders, in overtime against the Tennessee Titans, and in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2021-2022 season.
It was also unfortunate to see the “leader” Wentz squander the success that Jonathan Taylor had in 2022. Taylor unleashed 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, which helped him earn AFC Offensive Player of The Year.
Wentz clearly wasn’t productive enough to help the once-promising Colts squad get to the postseason, but the former Eagles QB did make lots of plays in 2021 and show that he was a step closer to his prior elite form. There will be coaches that like the big arm and athletic ability of the QB that isn’t yet 30 years old (29).
The Colts could still keep Wentz, but they might be impatient and overridden with emotion to pardon the former Super Bowl champion. So, the question is: which team could look to acquire Wentz? Well, here are a few potential destinations for Wentz.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers were knocking on heaven’s door for a QB upgrade in 2021. The Panthers tried the Sam Darnold experiment, but it didn’t work out last season. Darnold, who might actually owe Adam Gase an apology, threw for 2,527 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, with a horrific 13 interceptions.
The Panthers still have a good situation around the QB spot, as they carry Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, and the healthy Christian McCaffrey. The problem is that they don’t have a sharp, strong-arm QB to utilize their offense well.
The Panthers had the fourth-best passing defense in 2021, as well. Haason Reddick and Derrick Brown can make plays for many years on their front seven, but they have to make sure their effort doesn’t get wasted. I expect the motivated and antsy Matt Rhule-led Panthers, who play in the Tom Brady-less NFC South, to lobby for Wentz or Kirk Cousins this offseason.
Washington Commanders
Wentz might have brought pain to the Colts fan base, but there are many Washington Commanders fans that believe they would have made the playoffs with Wentz in 2021. The Commanders were once on a very impressive four-game winning streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Unfortunately, the Taylor Heinicke-led Commanders struggled in the division and finished 7-10 on the season.
On the bright side, the Commanders were competitive with the below average, dual-threat Heinicke. They could make massive strides in the NFC East with an improved QB performance in Wentz.
I would like to see the Commanders select Matt Corral and trade for Wentz. They can have Corral sit behind Wentz, just as Trey Lance sat behind Jimmy G and Patrick Mahomes learned as the backup to Alex Smith. The Colts QB could impress in Washington’s offense that yields Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, and Curtis Samuel.
Washington also plays in a division where Dak Prescott and now Jalen Hurts shine. Rivera needs to be aggressive for a talented QB, so they don’t get left in the dust.
New Orleans Saints
There is lots of speculation around Russell Wilson landing in NOLA and Jameis Winston potentially re-signing with the Saints, but I believe Wentz is the perfect wildcard to ink with New Orleans. I don’t foresee the Seahawks trading away Wilson and I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Saints view Wentz as an upgrade over the mixed bag of Winston. The Saints are obviously in cap hell and Wentz is far from cheap, so that is the biggest reason why the trade would potentially not take place.
The Saints are the absolute best fit for Wentz in my opinion. Pete Carmichael, who is returning as the Saints OC, helped Winston minimize mistakes and get the ball out fast to playmakers like Alvin Kamara and the speed demon Deonte Harris. The Saints also went 6-2 with Taysom Hill over the past two seasons and I believe Wentz is a significant upgrade over Hill.
Furthermore, the Saints will be getting Michael Thomas back in the offense. Thomas, Kamara, Harris, and the elite Saints offensive line can help Wentz be successful early on and help him grow well. Outside of draft compensation, the Saints have many trade chips on their roster. Andrus Peat, Marcus Davenport, and potentially even Taysom Hill could be involved in a trade for Wentz.
Honorable mention
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers may have high expectations for Trey Lance and Jimmy G will probably be dealt away from the Bay Area. I still don’t think the 49ers will hand the keys for the Week 1 starting gig to Trey Lance on the first day in training camp. The bright Kyle Shanahan will bring in competition at QB and likely a QB with starting experience to duke it out with Lance. Shanny has expressed interest in Andy Dalton and Marcus Mariota is a potential QB signee for him.
It wouldn’t only be poetic if Shanny had two North Dakota State QBs on the roster, but he could make his magic happen with both QBs. If Wentz progresses well in an offense with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, Wentz could have the keys to the playoff-ready team in 2022.
The 49ers are clearly a Super Bowl contender and Shanny should make sure they have a superb plan at their QB position, so they don’t take a step back in 2022. The 49ers were in the NFC Championship with a mediocre QB in Garoppolo. They may be able to play for gold next season if they have an impressive QB performance in the postseason — whether it’s Lance or a potential newcomer.
