The departure of Carson Wentz from Indianapolis did not seem pleasant.
According to The Athletic, Wentz, whose deal with the Commanders on Wednesday was one of the biggest quarterback moves in the league this week, was clearly unpopular with the Colts organization. According to the report, the former first round pick was a castle that could be traded or cut in part due to his lack of leadership and reckless play style.
“In truth, some of the Indianapolis Colts on West 56th Street ended the Carson Wentz experiment long before the team collapsed at the end of the season,” The Athletic reported, citing recent conversations with sources within the organization.
The Colts traded Carson Wentz this week after one season at Indianapolis Norm Hall/Getty Images.
Colts coach Frank Reich with Wentz in September 2021 Icon Sportswire
In fact, the Colts appeared to be ready to cut ties with Wentz following his poor performance in consecutive losses to Las Vegas and Jacksonville in the final weeks of the regular season.
Wentz, who also reportedly resisted tough training under Frank Reich, is said to have contacted Colts owner Jim Irsay when he felt there was tension within the organization over its production. Irsei allegedly refused the meeting to “clarify the situation” because he was out of town. However, later they talked.
Wentz’s experiment, which originally reunited the 29-year-old quarterback with Reich, his former Philadelphia offensive coordinator, ended this week after just one season. The move to commanders marks Ventz’s second deal in 13 months.
Wentz will play for the Commanders in the 2022 NFL season Chris Koduto/Getty Images
According to ESPN, Washington will pay Wentz the full $28 million for the 2022 season, including a $5 million roster bonus.
Wentz, the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Eagles, threw 27 touchdowns and tied his record for steals with seven last season.