The Indianapolis Colts somehow acquired two third-round picks, swapped second-round picks, and convinced the Washington Commanders into paying Carson Wentz’s entire salary through a trade. Although they absolutely fleeced the newly minted Commanders, they now find themselves with a black hole staring them in the face at quarterback. But the Colts can find their QB through trade, free agency, or the NFL Draft. Or, it could be a combination of two of those.
Indianapolis Colts: Three QB options that make sense following Carson Wentz trade
Unfortunately, the Colts were initially fleeced in their trade to acquire Wentz. They lost their 2022 first-round pick, making it difficult to find their new franchise quarterback through that avenue.
However, a quarterback out West in Jimmy Garoppolo is looking for a new home. A former second-overall pick would inject some athleticism and excitement into the Colts’ offense in Marcus Mariota. And they could trade picks to move up into the back end of Round 1 to draft Kenny Pickett.
Or they could combine a low-end free agency deal with a draft pick in the second round. But history will tell you that’s a losing battle.
Colts could trade for Jimmy Garoppolo
There was no more obvious fallout from the Wentz trade than this scenario. If you’re of the belief that Kyle Shanahan cultivated a perfect game plan to hide Garoppolos deficiencies, there aren’t many offenses that could legitimately do the same. The Colts are one team that could do just that.
They have a solid offensive line and a great rushing attack. Indianapolis has a weapon in Michael Pittman Jr. that works well over the middle of the field where Garoppolo best operates. They also have Nyheim Hines to alleviate pressure as a checkdown option, and that Jonathan Taylor cat is a darned good receiver for never doing it in college.
Frank Reich and Marcus Bradley got through a season with Wentz and held him on a tight enough leash that they should have made the playoffs.
However, this should be the Colts’ least-favorite option. The QB ecosystem in the AFC is an absolute gauntlet. Garoppolo isn’t leading a team to a Super Bowl having to go through Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
Sign Marcus Mariota in free agency
Marcus Mariota is a stop-gap at this point of his career, so ideally, the Colts would also draft a quarterback either with their current pick (42nd overall) or by trading back into Round 1.
Mariota has been an intriguing watch since leaving the Tennessee Titans a few seasons ago. The Las Vegas Raiders used him as a Wildcat QB, except one that could throw when called upon.
But much like with Garoppolo, Reich and Bradley could figure out how to make that offense competitive. I wouldn’t be surprised if they implemented a 2017 Eagles-style offensive attack leaning on RPOs and Mariota’s threat on the ground.
He’d be an inexpensive option to either compete or be bad enough that the Colts are in position to attack QB in the draft in 2023.
Trade up for Kenny Pickett
There won’t be any need to worry about Pickett’s tiny hands in a domed Lucas Oil Stadium! If he’s still available toward the end of Day 1, the Colts could try to package picks to move up and secure the fifth-year option on the redshirt senior.
Pickett didn’t see the rocket ship draft stock rise that Burrow did in his final college season, but it did take a hot air balloon up a few thousand feet. He’s the kind of athlete for the position that works well out of structure and can make plays when necessary with his feet.
Pickett is no Kyler Murray, but he can scoot on occasion. He’s also improved mechanically over the years, making him far more accurate. Pickett now needs to relieve himself of some arm arrogance issues, and he’ll be fine at the next level.
Which is the most appealing QB option for the Colts?
Although Colts fans probably don’t want to spend another season in QB purgatory, I find the Mariota option the most appetizing. In the end, I don’t see how Pickett could compete against those same names listed in Garoppolo’s section.
However, the Colts had middling QB play for a few seasons and have found a way to stay competitive. Pickett wouldn’t take much from the salary cap, and Chris Ballard has proven he can put a competitive roster on the field.