The Carson Wentz experiment in Indianapolis is finally over following a devastating loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 of the 2021 season, which kept the Indianapolis Colts out of the playoffs. The team decided Wednesday to trade him to the Washington Commanders in return for second and third-round picks in 2022 as well as a future third-round pick in 2023.
The writing seemed to be on the wall for Wentz for quite some time given the lack of commitment that both coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have shown him this offseason.
With the departure of Wentz comes a familiar feeling for Colts fans. Namely, uncertainty at the quarterback position. The team will have a different Week 1 starting quarterback next season for the seventh consecutive year.
Colts' Week 1 starting QB by year:
2016: Andrew Luck
2017: Scott Tolzien
2018: Andrew Luck
2019: Jacoby Brissett
2020: Philip Rivers
2021: Carson Wentz
2022: TBDFor the 6th straight season, Indy won't have the same starting QB in Week 1 as it did the year before.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 9, 2022
It seems that star linebacker Darius Leonard is not a fan of the revolving door that has been the Colts starting quarterback position in the past few years. Following the news of Wentz’s trade to the Commanders, he posted a tweet making his thoughts known.
Here we go again! About to be 5 years with the Colts and 5 different QBs! Thank you Carson for everything this year my guy! Wish you nothing but the best!
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) March 9, 2022
“Here we go again!,” wrote Leonard. “About to be 5 years with the Colts and 5 different QBs! Thank you Carson for everything this year my guy! Wish you nothing but the best!”
Many read these comments as a complaint about the Colts organization, and this certainly got the NFL world talking.
Not good when your leader is tweeting this. https://t.co/pAx6y1blp1
— Marco Martinez (@marco_mart1205) March 9, 2022
The Maniac weighs in on the Carson Wentz news. Have to imagine it’s frustrating to be on this QB carousel. Not sustainable. #Colts https://t.co/5k1cQADa0w
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) March 9, 2022
even leonard has had enough now #ForTheShoe https://t.co/24n65wVn6g
— Gabriel Morency (@sportsrage) March 9, 2022
This………………5 different starting QBs in 5 years https://t.co/lie01uRrIg
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 9, 2022
The three-time All-Pro linebacker has taken the league by storm since he joined the Colts in 2018. He is certainly a player that the team needs to keep happy if they wish to be a contender in the AFC moving forward.
Indianapolis could go in a number of different directions with its quarterback vacancy for the 2022 season. Let’s hope for Colts fans’ sake that it is someone who can be their starter for longer than one season.
