List of QBs Commanders passed on for Carson Wentz revealed

One thing became clear during the Washington Commanders‘ quest for a new quarterback: Ron Rivera was prepared to swing big. And swing big he did, though it ultimately resulted in him having to pivot to trading for Carson Wentz.

The Commanders’ interest in trading for Russell Wilson was well-documented. With Aaron Rodgers always likely to remain in Green Bay and Deshaun Watson’s playing outlook still lacking clarity, Wilson was the primary target.

While Wilson was dealt to Denver, Rivera and Co. made a worthwhile push to acquire the nine-time Pro bowler, offering as many as first round picks over the next three years and going as far as to offer a player to bring him to Ashburn.

Alas, the Commanders wound up with Wentz.

As expected, the fan base is split on the move. Some understand that the team’s options were extremely limited. Others are tired of having to settle for damaged goods. We fall somewhere in the middle of that pendulum.

For anyone still trying to warm up to the trade, the reported list of QBs that Washington passed on for Wentz might make you feel better.

Which QBs did the Commanders pass on for Carson Wentz?

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Commanders narrowed their options down to Wilson, Rodgers, Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Mitchell Trubisky. This shortlist of candidates was finalized after the team canvassed the entire league, which reportedly included calling the Chiefs about Patrick Mahomes.

Under those circumstances, it sounds like Washington chose between Wentz, Garoppolo, Watson and Trubisky. With that in mind, can you really fault them for giving up two third-round picks for the safest option of the bunch?

We know Wentz comes with baggage — injuries, leadership concerns, and a propensity to come up short on the big stage — but there’s no denying his talent. In fact, Wentz had eight games with a passer rating of 100 or better last year.

That was tied for the eighth most in the NFL, and the likes of Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray and Josh Allen had the same amount of such games.

Garoppolo, on the other hand, just had shoulder surgery on his throwing shoulder and its uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the start of 2022. With the 49ers seeking a first-round pick for him, you have to think he would’ve cost at least a second-round pick. Wentz cost just two third-rounders.

As for Watson, it’s been reported the Commanders wouldn’t have pursued him until his legal issues were resolved. With no definitive timetable for that (at the time) they had one of two options: risk waiting and potentially lose another bidding war or strike a reasonable deal for an above-average starter.

Finally, arrive at Trubisky. While the former second overall pick is the flavor of the week in free agency after spending last season backing up Josh Allen and learning under Brian Daboll, how big of an upgrade would he really have been?

Looking at his career stats, his Pro Bowl campaign in 2018 is clearly more of an aberration than the expectation. Now, it’ll up to Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ to get the most out of Trubisky after they signed him to a two-year deal.

Bottom line? Don’t take the Wentz trade at face value. Given the biggest prizes (Rodgers and Wilson) were off the board, Washington did really well to acquire Wentz, the lowest risk of the remaining options, at the price they did.