With the Indianapolis Colts gearing up for the start of free agency over the last few weeks, the chatter surrounding quarterback Carson Wentz has taken a backseat.
That’s probably for the best when you consider how much time was spent discussing the trade.
Though the consensus reaction among fans was overwhelmingly positive, one of the more unusual storylines to surface following the blockbuster indicated that Wentz would have to earn the respect and trust of his teammates.
We’re referring to when wideout Michael Pittman Jr. emphatically shut down the idea of Wentz taking his No. 11 jersey, which the five-year pro has sported throughout his entire pro career and since his college days at North Dakota State, during an interview with TMZ Sports.
Well, for any fans concerned that Pittman and Wentz’s relationship would get off to a rocky start following this declaration, don’t be.
The 2020 second-round pick recently took to Instagram to share a photo of the two (and fellow WR Dezmon Patmon) working out at an undisclosed location.
From Michael Pittman’s Instagram:
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) March 13, 2021
Some Cali work for Carson Wentz, Dezmon Patmon and Pittman. pic.twitter.com/jpsTWxxftz
Carson Wentz and Michael Pittman Jr. already working out together is awesome news for the Colts.
If this photo doesn’t get fans in Indy excited for next season, then nothing will. In another neat nugget, Wentz even took the initiative to repost the picture to his own Instagram story, so the three teammates clearly hit it off during this workout session.
It’s admittedly mouthwatering to think about the strides Pittman could make in his development with a big-armed gunslinger like Wentz throwing him the pigskin.
That obviously isn’t a shot at Philip Rivers, who exceeded expectations in his lone season as the starter in 2020. Given that Wentz is a decade younger than the now-retired 38-year-old, it goes without saying he can accentuate Pittman’s intangibles more so than Rivers, which says a lot considering the USC product hauled in 40 receptions for 503 yards and one score despite extenuating circumstances — like a truncated offseason, canceled preseason, and foot surgery — working against him.
#Colts QB Carson Wentz has arrived in California for offseason workouts with WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and Dezmon Patmon. pic.twitter.com/oQSTzJh5Ng
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 13, 2021
The trade might not be official for a couple more days, but this photo proves that Wentz is motivated to stick it to his naysayers after his forgettable 2020 season, in which he finished 34th in passer rating (72.8) and yards per attempt (6.0) and last in interceptions (15) despite getting benched with four games remaining on the schedule.
We hate to overreact to a simple Instagram post, but the fact that Wentz is already working out with his new receivers suggests that he’s in a great space mentally.
When you recall that the former No. 2 overall pick seemingly lost all of his confidence last year, that is a fantastic sign for head coach Frank Reich and the Colts.
Colts: Does reuniting Carson Wentz with Zach Ertz make any sense?
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