Best Landing Spots For Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz had a bounce-back 2021 season statistically with 28 total touchdowns to just 11 turnovers. Despite this, it’s looking like it wasn’t enough to keep the job in Indianapolis.
Reports have surfaced that the Colts will look to trade or release Wentz between the start of the new league year on Mar. 16 and when he’ll receive $15 million guaranteed for next season on Mar. 19.
Unless the team can find a significant upgrade, Wentz should get another year. Wentz showed promise in his first season back under Frank Reich’s system. If the Colts could find another receiver, the offense would be a lot better as one of its biggest weaknesses was the lack of receiver depth outside of Michael Pittman Jr.
That decision will come down to management and if Wentz is traded/released, here are three teams that would benefit both Wentz and the team:
Denver Broncos
Since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2015, the Broncos have struggled to find stability at quarterback. Wentz would be an upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater as he would be able to push the ball downfield.
The Broncos have around $50 million in cap space. Outside of re-signing Kareem Jackson, Bryce Callahan, and Kyle Fuller, the team will have enough cap space to go for a new quarterback.
Wentz would also benefit from a good receiving core in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam and the return of KJ Hamler.
With an emerging running back in Javonte Williams and new coach Nathaniel Hackett that oversaw a Packers offense with reigning and two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, it’d be the most ideal situation.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have $30.3 million in cap space. Currently, the only quarterback on the roster for next season is Taylor Heinicke, who is better suited as a spot starter.
If Wentz is released, the team could sign him for a flexible deal that will allow them to re-sign Brandon Scherff, Jon Bostic, and Cornelius Lucas among others while trying to improve their No. 29 ranked pass defense.
The offense has promise. The biggest strength of the offense is the No. 6 ranked offensive line. If Lucas resigned, the whole starting line would return.
Antonio Gibson is a solid running back and Terry McLaurin has shown great potential despite both being held back from subpar quarterback play.
With another receiver to go with McLaurin and re-signing Ricky Seals-Jones, Washington would be a great option for Wentz to go to.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Ben Roethlisberger retiring, Mason Rudolph is the projected starter. While Kevin Cobert has shown confidence in Rudolph, the team will still look for other options.
With $28 million in cap space, that’s an “excess” cap for the Steelers.
Getting Wentz on a cheap deal will allow the team to fix their No. 26 ranked offensive line that was sixth in quarterback pressures(142) and No. 24 in run blocking.
Wentz’s offense would be surrounded by promising young receivers Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson. The team will have to decide on whether to keep James Washington or Juju Smith-Schuster, who are free agents.
One of those to go with Claypool and Johnson will be a great trio to pair with last year's rookie standouts in tight end Pat Friermuth and running back Najee Harris.
If the offensive line is revamped via free agency or the draft, it would be a similarly great offense to the one in Denver.
Timothy Lonas is a junior majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email tpl5336@psu.edu.
