The NFL’s quarterback carousel continues to move with the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to trade Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders. The deal fills Washington’s need for a signal-caller while creating a hole for Indianapolis at the sport’s most important position.

Washington gets Wentz and a 2022 second-round draft pick in the trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. In addition to a second- and third-round pick this year, Indianapolis receives a 2023 third-rounder that becomes a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70% of the Commanders’ snaps.

The most surprising part of the trade is that Washington has agreed to take on the entirety of Wentz’s 2022 salary. The quarterback will make north of $28 million next season. Wentz’s contract runs through 2024 and includes nearly $82 million, though the veteran isn’t owed any guaranteed money beyond this year.

Washington settled for Wentz after failing to land a star quarterback. The Commanders were unsuccessful in their attempt to trade for Russell Wilson, who was sent to the Denver Broncos Tuesday.

In his only season as Washington’s starter, Taylor Heinicke went 7-8 with 20 touchdown passes, 15 interceptions and an 85.9 passer rating.

The Colts must add a starting quarterback to a playoff-caliber roster. Early speculation suggests that Indianapolis will be in contention to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo.

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to deal Garoppolo this summer. The quarterback recently underwent shoulder surgery that will prevent him from throwing for several months, potentially complicating San Francisco’s ability to execute a trade.

Deshaun Watson will probably be traded. The Houston Texans are not expected to entertain trading him within the division.

The Colts would’ve made the playoffs this past season if it were not for a stunning Week 18 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wentz had his worst game of the season in defeat, throwing for 185 yards with two turnovers.

Wentz put up respectable stats in his only season with Indianapolis. The 29-year-old completed 62.4% of his passes for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Indianapolis relied on league-leading rusher Jonathan Taylor. Wentz’s 209.6 passing yards per game ranked 27th among starting quarterbacks.

Carson Wentz Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 19, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michael Hickey/Getty Images
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