Could former rival answer Commanders’ QB conundrum after latest rumors?

It won’t be long now until the Washington Commanders‘ reported plans to fill their quarterback vacancy start leaking.

As we inch closer to the start of the new league year, the quarterback market is starting to reveal itself. While it’s heavily speculated that Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo and maybe Aaron Rodgers could be acquired via trade, more high-profile names could be added to the pot before long.

Of course, Derek Carr was on that list, but the latest reports suggest the Raiders plan to reward him with a new extension. That was always the expected outcome after he carried he club to the playoffs this season.

However, theres’ someone on a similar talent level who could replace Carr on the quarterback market this offseason.

On Sunday, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen broke the news that Colts starter Carson Wentz will “probably” be cut or traded before March 19, when his $15 million base salary for 2022 becomes fully guaranteed.

Could the Commanders look to acquire their former rival?

Could the Commanders target former rival Carson Wentz this offseason?

Due to his contract, trading Wentz won’t be a walk in the park for the Colts. He’s already guaranteed $15 million and will get another (guaranteed) roster bonus worth $6.29 million on March 18.

The Commanders would be insane to fully absorb a contract Indy doesn’t want, so it’s possible Wentz, the Colts and Washington could agree to a restructured contract that makes it easier for him to be traded.

On the flip side, the Colts, who’ve lost nearly all their leverage in light of this report, could simply eat some money to make a deal happen. According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, money won’t be a deciding factor for owner Jim Irsay, who’s desperate for an upgrade and would “eat the $15 million no problem.”

For anyone turning their nose up on a potential deal for Wentz, he’s probably better than every option not named Rodgers, Wilson and Watson. We’d lump Carr in there, but it sounds like he’s returning to Las Vegas.

Most fans will point to the role Wentz played in the Colts’ epic late-season collapse to fall out of the playoff picture as a rebuttal. That’s fine. We’d still take him over Garoppolo, the QB most regularly linked to Washington thus far.

Despite working with a superior offensive line and weapons (Michael Pittman is the Colts’ only respectable pass-catcher), Garoppolo threw fewer touchdowns, more interceptions and posted the same number of wins as Wentz in 2021.

For all of his maddening tendencies, Wentz is one of five quarterbacks to have at least three seasons with 25 touchdowns and seven or fewer interceptions. The others? Rodgers, Wilson, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Only 16 other quarterbacks have had one such season.

In Washington, Wentz would have a better offensive line (the Colts’ pass protection was wildly inconsistent all year), an elite rushing attack, and more talent at wide receiver and tight end, with potentially a high draft pick to join the WR corps.

Nobody’s saying that Wentz should be the long-term answer for the Commanders, but if the quarterback search came down to trading/signing Wentz or trading for Garoppolo, who might cost more as far as draft capital, we’d take Wentz.

Wentz isn’t our preferred option, but he’d be a solid contingency plan if the front office strikes out on Rodgers, Wilson and Watson.Again, the Commanders can’t afford to be picky. That’s how you end up a big loser in the QB carousel.