The verdict is in, and the Washington fanbase’s reaction to the Carson Wentz trade is similar to the team’s rebranding to the Commanders last month.
Meh.
There are already factions of fans forming — with some vehemently opposed to the trade and others seeing Wentz as the team’s best quarterback in the post-Kirk Cousins era.
But overall, the reaction from Commanders fans is hot and cold, as most see Wentz as an upgrade from Taylor Heinicke but also a disappointment compared to the hype of a first-round rookie or a veteran like Russell Wilson.
The Commanders called every team who might have a quarterback available this offseason as part of a wide-ranging search to find their next signal-caller. In the end, they landed one from the team arguably most anxious to move on from their current starter. https://t.co/tneyIMkwS0
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) March 9, 2022
“The Commanders went from missing out on Mr. Unlimited to getting Mr. Unavailable,” one Washington fan tweeted, referencing how the team acquired the often-injured Wentz instead of Wilson.
“I wasn’t in favor of bringing in a [veteran] QB at all. But the harshness on Washington Twitter makes me want to root like hell for Wentz,” another fan posted on Twitter.
“Hate to say it but bringing someone who’s had a history of leg injury to play at FedEx Field…I mean, we’re just asking for curse to continue at this point,” wrote another fan.
Many noted Wentz’s solid statistics from last season. He even drew some comparison to Cousins — a quarterback who puts up good numbers but has trouble coming through in big moments.
Ranking the Washington QBs since 2018:
— Eric Nathan (@BarstoolNate) March 9, 2022
Colt McCoy
Alex Smith
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Taylor Heinicke
Case Keenum
Kyle Allen
Dwayne Haskins
Josh Johnson
Mark Sanchez
Garrett Gilbert
All things considered, rooting for Carson Wentz is going to be pretty easy.
“Wentz threw for 3500 yards on 63 percent passing last year, 27 TDs vs just 7 INTs. Stats look good. But my biggest concern is Indy just traded for him, and now they trade him without a clear upgrade. Something doesn’t,” 106.7 The Fan’s JP Finlay tweeted.
“Go watch his games,” a Washington fan responded. “The stats are so misleading. Couldn’t beat Jacksonville week 18 for the playoffs. What an awful trade.”
My reaction to Wentz being traded is simple.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 9, 2022
He has this season to save his career as an NFL starter.
Some fans pointed to Wentz’s high ceiling, although it’s been four seasons since he’s been in that rarefied air. In 2017, Wentz was an MVP candidate before tearing his ACL.
“I’m not going to make the argument that Wentz is great,” 106.7 The Fan’s Eric Bickel tweeted. “But he’s played at a very high level before. He’s got an excellent TD to INT ratio. Good athlete. Solid arm. Just turned 29. He’s worth rolling the dice for.”
If Frank Reich of all people is willing to trade Carson Wentz even though his team doesn’t have a starting QB you PROBABLY shouldn’t give up two third round picks for the right to pay him $28M+ this season. 🤔
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) March 9, 2022
“He looked like a Hall of Famer early in his career. Especially against the Redskins,” one Commanders fan responded.
However, despite giving up multiple third-round picks and paying Wentz’s $28 million salary for the 2022 season, some fans still hope the team drafts a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I do think they will draft Kenny Pickett from Pitt. Wentz has to prove that he is a starting QB.”
“Sounds like Wentz is being brought in to mentor the rookie. Knowing Wentz style it’s Willis or Corral.”
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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