NFL writers give harsh reviews of Commanders’ trade for Carson Wentz

NFL.com is the latest news outlet to condemn the Commanders’ trade for Carson Wentz.

Next up is the NFL Network’s analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, who analyzed free agency in the form of “three good fits and head-scratchers.” As you might’ve expected, the Wentz trade was Frelund’s No. 1 head-scratcher.

"Fresh off a brief tenure in Indianapolis that ended in disappointment, Wentz has an average annual salary that currently ranks ninth among quarterbacks at $32 million. According to my win-share metrics, he was QB19 in 2021. When not under pressure last season, Wentz had an NGS passing score of 82, which ranked 23rd. His 66.4 completion percentage (26th) and 6.7 yards per attempt (27th) when pressure-free also left much to be desired."

Unlike Wharton, Frelund’s assessment included Wentz’s salary and both his suspect end-of-season play that forced Indianapolis to pull the plug on him after just one year. No mention of the trade compensation, which seems fair!

As Frelund notes, Wentz’s stats in a clean pocket leave A LOT to be desired. Was that a product of the 29-year-old trying to do more than what was asked of him or the Colts’ lack of capable pass-catchers?

Probably both, but it speaks volumes that Michael Pittman, who might be a top-25 player at the position, was Indy’s most talented wideout. In Washington, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, JD McKissic and Logan Thomas give Wentz an improved arsenal, so there’s reason to believe his metrics will improve.

To add another quick harsh review, NFL.com writer Marc Sessler gave Washington’s trade of Wentz a “D” grade, saying ” I simply don’t see the whole Wentz experience as an upgrade over the vastly less expensive Taylor Heinicke.” Sorry, but if you watched all 16 of Heinicke’s starts last season and didn’t just glance at his stats (which are about league average), you’d realize Wentz is a major upgrade.

Wherever you stand on the matter, it’s really not a surprise so many NFL writers have panned the Wentz trade. Fair or not, he’s become a meme on NFL Twitter for his mind-numbing turnovers and it would appear his reputation amongst the NFL media at large is too far gone to be salvaged.