Colts to trade or release Carson Wentz during free agency?

The Indianapolis Colts have a big decision to make regarding the future of quarterback Carson Wentz, and they may have come to a conclusion about what they plan to do with him.

On The Athletic’s “One Percent Better” podcast, Colts reporter Zak Keefer said he believed based on what he has heard from within the organization that Wentz will be either traded or released at some point during the free agency period.

“In light of some conversations over the last six or seven days, it’s my full expectation that he is moved by the end of this free agency period,” Keefer said. “Whether that’s a cut or a trade remains to be seen. I think this is a when situation, not an if situation. I think the decision has been made.”

Keefer added that the decision did not boil down to the Colts’ late-season collapse, but that the entire season was taken into account. He also noted that the Colts were prepared to make the decision despite no clear backup plan at the position.

That is a pretty damning assessment of Wentz, but not necessarily a surprising one. Even though he threw 27 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, the quarterback was largely inconsistent for much of the season, and the Colts were not satisfied with his play. That was made clear by some subtle remarks made by owner Jim Irsay after the season.

If Wentz does depart, the Colts are headed for a fifth starting quarterback in as many years. Nobody has any idea where they may turn next, adding to the intrigue surrounding the team’s offseason.