Carson Wentz Trade to Washington Commanders Has Massive Benefit to Indianapolis Colts Ahead of Free Agency

The Indianapolis Colts made the headlines by trading quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders. It not only freed the team of the pressure of deciding what to do with the unsettled quarterback, but it also relieved them of his big salary. The moves came only one day after Aaron Rodgers announces his comeback to Green Bay and the Seahawks trading Russell Wilson to the Broncos. With Carson Wentz’s trade, the Washington Commanders are taking over Wentz’s whole contract deal.

As a result, the Indianapolis Colts need not pay a single dime to the quarterback athlete. The only concern is how the Indianapolis Colts will use their massive over-the-cap space?

Indy’s trade benefit from Carson Wentz

The Colts and Commanders are reportedly exchanging 2022 second-round picks, as well as a 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick that can become a second if Carson Wentz plays 70% of the time.

Wentz’s contract with the Colts is set forth to be $28.2 million. The whole money goes into Indy’s salary cap. As per OverTheCap, the Indianapolis Colts currently have $69.8 million in cap space, the most in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins stand second with $51.3 Million, followed by the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Since Chris Ballard took over in 2017, the Colts have always been economical with their money. According to IndyStar, DeForest Buckner ($16 million) takes up the most salary space on the roster now that Carson Wentz has left, followed by Quenton Nelson ($13 million) and Braden Smith ($12 million). Grover Stewart and Darius Leonard have contracts worth more than $10 million each.

What will be Indy’s next move?

The Colts aren’t known for showering cash in free agency, and while they won’t do so this time. Although, they may have to boost the cost of so many critical demands on the lineup.

Read More: DK Metcalf Sends Heartfelt Message to His Seahawks Mentors Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner: “These Two Men Have Taught Me So Much Not Only About Football, But About Life”

The Colts have a freckled time with the starting quarterbacks department. Even after bringing in a couple of athletes over the years, they don’t have a reliable option yet. Currently, it appears as a new quarterback will be gained through trade. Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers looks like a destined pick, but the franchise needs to be patient with the athlete. Moreover, Derek Carr also looks like a probable option as well.

The Colts would be able to sign big-name defensive linemen like Chandler Jones or Emmanuel Ogbah. They might use the space to sign a wide receiver like Amari Cooper, who has a cap hit of $20 million in the year 2022.

The Indianapolis Colts have a lot to build in the trade season, and probably they will become more aggressive at the moment or during the Draft to complete the process and transform the franchise into a winning one.

Watch This Story: Aaron Rodgers Ranked #1 On List of NFL Players/Personalities People Love to Hate