WFT: Could Colts become trade partner after Carson Wentz injury news?
By Jerry Trotta
Not many teams in the NFL can say they boast three starting-caliber quarterbacks on their active roster, but the Washington Football Team falls under that category.
Of course, the Football Team signed journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency following Alex Smith’s retirement.
Behind Fitzpatrick, the projected starter, Washington has Taylor Heinicke, who impressed against the Buccaneers in the playoffs, and Kyle Allen, who led the Panthers to a 5-7 record in 12 starts while filling in for an injured Cam Newton back in 2019.
It remains to be seen if Washington plans to enter the regular season with all three QBs on the roster. You know what could persuade the franchise to move off of one of them, though?
The injury news to Colts starter Carson Wentz, who will undergo surgery to repair a foot injury and will be sidelined between 5-12 weeks. That begs the question of whether WFT should get Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard on the phone to discuss a potential trade?
Feels like Indy should call Washington. 3 QBs with starting experience on this roster and none are considered long-term answer. More short term fix and the Colts need one
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 2, 2021
Should Washington consider making a trade with the Colts?
It honestly depends how confident the Colts are in 2019 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason, who, despite having the prototypical size and arm strength to be a franchise quarterback, hasn’t even taken a preseason snap and has struggled in the early goings of training camp.
At the very least, the Colts should add another QB to the roster at camp for competition purposes, and the Football Team could present them with an easy fix. Assuming Fitzpatrick is untouchable, one of Heinicke or Allen would be a quality acquisition for Indy.
It’s worth noting that Allen recently tweaked his surgically-repaired ankle at practice and has been limited ever since. Heinicke, meanwhile, has been battling with Fitzpatrick for the starting job and, aside from a few errant throws, has looked up for the challenge.
Given that the Football Team seems to like what they have in Heinicke, they could consider shipping Allen off to Indy where he can actually compete for snaps. With all due respect to the fourth-year pro, his injury setback derailed any chance he had at winning the starting gig.
The Colts would obviously have to clear Allen medically — trading for an injured QB after your starter just went under the knife would almost be franchise malpractice — but nothing we’ve heard regarding Allen’s injury suggests it’s anything serious.
Just to make sure we get it: Ron Rivera reiterates the QB1 battle is between Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke, but he anticipates Kyle Allen entering the fray once they feel he's recovered from his 2020 injury.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) July 29, 2021
I remain convinced Fitz starts. But, wanted to share the deets. https://t.co/6H3J23sUuQ
Allen is far too talented to start the year on the practice squad, and, barring an injury to one of Fitzpatrick or Heinicke, that’s where he looks poised to end up.
If Washington is satisfied with what it has in Fitz and Heinicke, what reason would it have to not acquire a late-round draft pick in return for their third-string QB? The third spot on the depth chart could be filled by Steven Montez or a veteran free agent they scoop up off the streets, so it’s not like a trade would leave the Football Team without options.
If WFT was to ever take advantage of a QB-needy team, this is the time to strike.
