Commanders QB Carson Wentz set for huge reunion games in 2022

After a one-year hiatus, Carson Wentz is back in the NFC East.

We never thought we’d say that again after he was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts last offseason, but the NFL never ceases to amaze and the Colts are clearly pushing hard for a Super Bowl.

For the Washington Commanders, they gave up a reasonable haul for Wentz: a 2022-third-rounder and a conditional second-rounder next year if the 29-year-old players 70% of the snaps next season. The team also swapped 2022 second-rounders with Indy, moving from the No. 42 overall to No. 47.

In a vacuum, this is a low-risk move by Washington. While trading for a QB comes with expectations, by no means is Wentz viewed as the long-term answer. If he underperforms, Washington can cut him loose next offseason and save over $25 million with zero dead money.

The same cannot be said for Wentz, however.

The seven-year pro is just a few trades away from becoming the next Ryan Fitzpatrick, so the pressure will be on him to prove to both the Commanders and the NFL that he’s still worthy of being an every-week starter.

For Washington’s sake, we hope Wentz is up to the task, because he has some emotional games on top next season.

Commanders QB Carson Wentz will have multiple reunions in 2022.

In 2022, Wentz will get the chance to play against BOTH teams that traded him way in pursuit of superior options.

While the schedule isn’t finalized, Wentz will go up against the Eagles twice. That’ll include his first game back in the City of Brotherly Love since the Eagles traded him to the Colts last offseason. Of course, the Eagles drafted Wentz No. 2 overall back in 2016 and moved heaven and earth to land him.

Originally equipped with the No. 8 overall pick in 2016, the Eagles swapped places with Cleveland, giving up that pick, their third-rounder (No. 77), fourth rounder (No. 100) a 2017 first-rounder and a 2018 second-rounder to draft Wentz.

To put some perspective on how hostile the Lincoln Financial Crowd will be, let’s remember Eagles fans’ lasting memory of Wentz was getting benched for Jalen Hurts after throwing 15 interceptions and fumbling 10 times across 12 starts.

Reports also indicated Wentz’s relationship with head coach Doug Pederson was fractured beyond repair (which likely divided the locker room) and he didn’t exactly handle getting benched like a consummate professional.

Given how many Philly fans make the trip to FedEx Field, Wentz figures to be showered with boos in both Eagles games.

With the NFC East locked in to play against the AFC South in 2022, Wentz will face Indianapolis and Frank Reich again. With the game expected to be play at Lucas Oil Stadium, Wentz will be forced to brave another tough atmosphere.

Colts fans aren’t as ruthless as Philly fans (or so we think) but you have to figure there will at least be a mixed reaction in the stands after the quarterback was traded one offseason after the franchise made a major investment in him.

Another underrated reunion in store for Wentz? The Commanders will play host to Jacksonville next season, so he’ll get the chance to meet Pederson for the first time since his unceremonious departure from Philadelphia.

Talk about a not-so warm welcome his first year in Washington.