My first season covering the local professional football franchise was 2005. During that time, it’s safe to say Washington hasn’t had much in the way of stability at the NFL’s most important position. In fact, the list of quarterbacks who have started at least one game during the last 16 seasons is downright depressing:
Mark Brunell. Patrick Ramsey. Jason Campbell. Todd Collins. Donovan McNabb. Rex Grossman. John Beck. Robert Griffin III. Kirk Cousins. Colt McCoy. Alex Smith. Josh Johnson. Mark Sanchez. Case Keenum. Dwayne Haskins. Kyle Allen. Taylor Heinicke. Ryan Fitzpatrick. Garrett Gilbert.
When the Commanders (that’s going to take a while to get used to) take the field this fall, they will do so with Carson Wentz behind center. That’s because, after missing out on Matthew Stafford last year and not being able to entice Russell Wilson to join the burgundy and gold, the Commanders struck a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire the second-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The details:
Colts receive: 2022 second-round pick (No. 42), 2022 third-round pick (No. 73), conditional 2023 third-round pick
Washington receives: QB Carson Wentz, 2022 second-round pick (No. 47), 2022 seventh-round pick (No. 240)
Washington becomes Wentz’s third team in three seasons, which means he’s looking for some semblance of stability as well. Historically, he’s known for a strong arm while struggling, at times, with accuracy and decision making. Will this marriage of convenience between Carson and the Commanders stand the test of time? Or will both be on the rebound once again in the not-too-distant future? For better or for worse, we’re about to find out.
