Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

All-Pro LB Darius Leonard laments Colts' QB woes after Carson Wentz trade

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/9/22

One of the first thoughts some had upon learning Wednesday that the Indianapolis Colts will officially be trading quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders is that Indianapolis deserves credit for receiving assets for a player the club likely otherwise would've released later this month.

Three-time All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard, who originally joined the Colts via the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, had other matters on his mind.

Leonard took to Twitter Wednesday to point out that the Colts have yet to retain a starting quarterback for a second consecutive year during his tenure with the organization:

Here we go again! About to be 5 years with the Colts and 5 different QBs! Thank you Carson for everything this year my guy! Wish you nothing but the best!
— Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) March 9, 2022

ESPN's Field Yates later listed the Indianapolis signal-callers who have been under center since Week 1 of the 2016 season:

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: TBD

For 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

Luck, of course, famously and shockingly retired shortly before the 2019 campaign. Philip Rivers spent a single season with the Colts but called time on his lengthy playing career in January 2021.

It's unclear if Indianapolis was interested in four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers before he committed to staying with the Green Bay Packers or in Russell Wilson before the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos agreed to the blockbuster trade that was announced Tuesday.

One can understand Leonard's frustrations, but perhaps he'll feel differently if the Colts land San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo this spring. If nothing else, Garoppolo would probably stay with Indianapolis for longer than one year unless an injury prevents him from starting in Week 1 of the 2023 season.

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