Commanders pursued several other QBs before landing Wentz?

The Indianapolis Colts traded quarterback Carson Wentz to Washington. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders pursued several other QBs before landing Carson Wentz?

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 3/10/22

The Washington Commanders acquired Carson Wentz in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, but it is clear the former first-round pick was not their first choice. He may not have even been their second or third.

The Commanders made it no secret that they were looking for a major upgrade at quarterback this offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, they aimed a lot higher than Wentz. Washington pursued Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson.

Washington's exhaustive QB search spanned five trade options (Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo) along with Mitch Trubisky as a prime free agency target before zeroing in on the Wentz deal, per source.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2022

Rodgers chose to remain with the Green Bay Packers. Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, and it sounds like that is the only place he wanted to go. The former Seattle Seahawks star has a full-no trade clause, and he reportedly refused to waive it for Washington and at least one other team.

Watson, obviously, is still facing legal trouble. Teams have been hesitant to pursue him while prosecutors determine if he will face criminal charges for the sexual assault allegations against him.

Wentz was simply the best the Commanders could do. Time will tell if he was worth the investment for them.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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