3 biggest positives from Commanders’ trade for Carson Wentz
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders appointed their next starting quarterback on Wednesday, acquiring Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2023 that can become a second if Wentz plays 70% of the snaps next season.
As you could expect, NFL Twitter laid in Washington for making the trade. Even some Commanders fans clowned the franchise.
That’s fine. We’re used to it.
The second Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, whomever the Commanders traded for or signed was going to get lambasted. Jimmy Garoppolo would have received a similar reaction. What about Mitchell Trubisky, Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston? Would those QBs have been well-received by fans?
Even acquiring Deshaun Watson would’ve been met with scorn.
That’s not to say we’re in love with the trade, but there’s something to be said that Washington made the most of an impossible situation.
In fact, when you take these positive factors into account, you might find yourself warming up to the deal.
3 biggest positive from Commanders’ Carson Wentz trade
3. Commanders still own No. 11 overall pick
Say what you will about the Colts being in a hurry to ditch Wentz. It’s not our fault they overpaid for him last offseason and we’re not going to apologize that Washington acquired him for two third-round picks. That’s great value, even if the conditional third in 2023 becomes a second.
Regardless of how Wentz performs, it’s huge the Commanders were able to keep the No. 11 overall pick. Now, the world is their oyster.
Do they draft a prospect to groom and potentially start next season? Do they go best player available and give Terry McLaurin a new running mate? Do they trade back a few spots with a QB-needy team and acquire more picks?
Washington’s options are limitless. Even better? They still own a second-round selection this year. In swapping Round 2 picks with Indy, the Commanders moved from the No. 42 overall pick to No. 47. Just five slots. Assuming the team has its eye on multiple prospects, it should walk away satisfied with the pick.
Isn’t that what matters? What if you replaced Wentz with Jimmy Garoppolo. Would Washington still have its first two picks this year? Considering the 49ers are reportedly eyeing a first-rounder for Garoppolo, that’s an easy no.