Frank Reich and the Indianapolis Colts are in the market for a new quarterback once again, and the head coach’s past history with struggling Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz suggests that the gunslinger could end up trying to rebuild himself as a member of the Colts.
That deal, of course, hinges on Indy meeting Howie Roseman’s asking price.
Wentz might’ve been awful in 2020, but there is reason to believe he can finally live up to his massive contract on a Colts team with a great offensive line and solid perimeter talent. The only obstacle towards getting a deal done is Philly themselves, as they are envisioning a Matthew Stafford-type package in any sort of Wentz trade.
The Athletic’s Stephen Holder is reporting that the Colts are in on Wentz, even if they won’t pay Philadelphia’s ridiculous asking price of two first-round picks. The thinking around Indianapolis is that Wentz can be fixed with enough coaching from Reich and newly-promoted offensive coordinator Marcus Brady.
Here’s what I know:
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 8, 2021
*The Colts are definitely in on Carson Wentz
*Yes, the compensation the Eagles initially asked for is two first-rd picks-plus
*Colts would never pay that
*Colts are confident they can “fix” him
*And, now, we wait. https://t.co/P6jL6IEbo9
Could Carson Wentz thrive with the Colts?
While Wentz led the league in interceptions and sacks taken despite making just 12 starts last season, he did so while playing for an Eagles team that constantly shuffled their offensive line, gave him little to work with at wide receiver, and ended up being led by a lame-duck head coach in Doug Pederson.
While Wentz’s accuracy issues resurfaced once more, Reich was able to get the best production out of Wentz we’ve ever seen, and the solid skill position talent around him could help Wentz return to his prior MVP form.
Eagles are expected to trade Carson Wentz in the coming days, with the Bears and Colts being two of the teams most interested, per @AdamSchefter & @mortreport
— PFF (@PFF) February 6, 2021
Wentz' PFF Grade/rank since '18:
2018 - 79.4 (14th)
2019 - 76.5 (14th)
2020 - 65.0 (31st) pic.twitter.com/yBQrfvaGqp
On one hand, 28-year-old quarterbacks that are already signed long-term rarely come on the market, and Philly asking for the sun and the moon in exchange for Wentz is somewhat relatable. On the other hand, Wentz was among the league’s worst passers last year, and trying to scalp the Colts could make it difficult to get a deal done.
The Colts have built this team in a very patient manner, using their draft space to add cheap depth while being very reserved about how they spend money in free agency. Deciding to accept what could be a very risky package that mortgages their short-term draft capital would be a huge shift in thinking from the front office.
Still, with the Tennessee Titans fresh off losing several coaches and the Jacksonville Jaguars a few years away from contending, getting the right quarterback could make the Colts the class of the AFC South. If the organization thinks Wentz is the man for the job, they should take Philly up on their offer.
Colts: 3 players who could be part of blockbuster deals
With the Indianapolis Colts still in the market for a franchise quarterback, here are three players who could be included in a blockbuster deal.