The Indianapolis Colts may not recognize it, but they have a long-standing quarterback problem.
They could have talented running backs, offensive linemen, and wide receivers, but they can’t find a play-caller that can carry the franchise for a long time.
Andrew Luck could have been that guy, but injuries derailed his promising career.
Fast forward to 2022 and they’ve dealt Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for a 2022 second-round pick, a 2022 third-round pick, and a 2023 third-round pick that could become a second-rounder.
More importantly, Washington will shoulder Wentz’s massive salary, taking away a huge cap hit off Indianapolis’ books.
But the departure of the former North Dakota State standout continues the Colts’ unpleasant tradition that dates back to 2016, as ESPN’s Field Yates pointed out.
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
Yates said, “For the 6th straight season, Indy won’t have the same starting QB in Week 1 as it did the year before.”
Luck was their Week 1 starter in 2016, a few months after he signed a six-year, $140 million contract extension.
A year later, a shoulder surgery forced him to miss the entire season, making Scott Tolzien the starter.
He returned in 2018 but retired before the 2019 season at age 29.
His shocking departure left Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, and Wentz as their Week 1 starter for the next three seasons.
Who Will Be Their Week 1 Starter In 2022?
Trading away Wentz means that Sam Ehlinger and James Morgan are the only quarterbacks left in their depth chart.
However, it’s highly likely that they might trade for another quarterback, sign a free agent, or draft a prospect.
They would likely go for a somewhat proven play-caller, meaning that they might push for either Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, or Jimmy Garoppolo.
Either one of them could thrive in Indianapolis given that they have a solid offensive line, a talented receiver in Michael Pittman, and a dominating running back in Jonathan Taylor.
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