The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for their fourth starting Week 1 quarterback in as many years, and there’s no reason for them to operate at anyone’s pace but their own.
Three consecutive seasons now, the Colts have been forced to figure something out on the fly, and they passed the test the first two tries.
Just a few weeks before 2019’s kickoff, Andrew Luck, the entrenched and generational starter, walked off the sidelines at a preseason game and into the sunset; Jacoby Brissett ended up being a perfectly competent stopgap leader.
Prior to 2020, Indianapolis pulled off a Philip Rivers move that led Indy to 11-5 and the cusp of a road playoff win against the AFC’s two seed.
This time around, the widely-theorized fit between Carson Wentz and the Colts hasn’t quite materialized yet — though Indy appears to be in the lead. If they’re not sold on Wentz, there’s no reason for them to overload their offer.
And if they are sold on a reunion with Frank Reich? Yeah, still no reason to adjust anything and bid against themselves.
👀 Talked to Ron Jaworski about the Carson Wentz - Eagles Trade Drama
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) February 11, 2021
“My understanding is that the Colts have offered 2 - 2nd round draft choices, maybe a 3rd or 4th down the road. That appears to be the best offer I have heard”#Eagles holding out for 1st!@6abc@JawsCEOQB pic.twitter.com/kYVbhwnL3h
The Eagles are holding out for a first? That’s great! Perhaps Chris Ballard will consider offering one if such a thing ever even approaches a necessity.
For now, the Colts remain in the driver’s seat (as long as they want to be), even if Philadelphia would like to see themselves as the respondent rather than the aggressor here.
Seems like perhaps Nick Sirianni did consider his options before arriving in Philly? Perhaps a little white lie was told in that opening press conference after all. No matter how much the team believes in Wentz, he is being actively shopped, and neither the Bears nor Colts have bitten too aggressively yet.
Plus, the Eagles’ front office isn’t exactly dictating the conversation at the moment. They’re on Wentz’s bad side. They’ve earned the city’s scorn.
Better to wait them out than to satisfy them, right?
“Carson Wentz is upset with Howie Roseman and the front office.”
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) February 9, 2021
Welcome to the club, Carson. pic.twitter.com/L8ROu3BH43
If the Colts have chosen to put their full faith in rejuvenating Carson Wentz, they’ll make the proper play for his services over the course of the next few weeks.
For now? Stay the course. Impatience never helped any NFL team, and the Colts know that as well as anyone. They’ve never committed long-term to a quarterback they don’t believe in, playing the seasons after Luck’s departure by ear.
If Wentz is the one? Great! They’re still in the lead for his services. If not, they won’t let Philadelphia make a fool of them.
Indianapolis Colts: 5 possible quarterback scenarios heading into 2021
The Indianapolis Colts are in the same place they were last season with Jacoby Brissett. They're still a quarterback away from having a contending team.