Did Colts prefer Derek Carr over Carson Wentz?

The Colts reportedly checked in on Carr's availability at some point this offseason. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Did Colts prefer Raiders' Derek Carr over Carson Wentz?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/18/21

As had been expected for weeks, the Indianapolis Colts have traded for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz en route to making Wentz their starting signal-caller and replacement for longtime veteran Philip Rivers, who retired shortly after the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It's possible the Colts wanted a different quarterback instead of Wentz.

Hours after news of the trade went public, Jim Ayello of The Indianapolis Star reported that the Colts checked with the Las Vegas Raiders on the status of quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders informed Indianapolis that Carr is parked where he is:

League source says Colts were among the teams that checked in on Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr. Received a pretty firm "not available."
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) February 18, 2021

As noted by ESPN stats, Carr would be an upgrade over Wentz as it pertains just to the numbers. While Wentz ended the past season second-to-last in passer rating (72.8) and 28th overall in total QBR (49.6), Carr's 101.4 passer rating was good for 10th. He was 11th with a total QBR of 71.0 and ahead of proven commodities such as Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and the previously mentioned Rivers in that category.

There's something to be said for familiarity, though, and Wentz played under Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich and offensive assistant Press Taylor when all three were employed by the Eagles. With the Raiders listed as favorites to pursue Seattle Seahawks quarterback and one-time Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson this offseason, one has to wonder:

What do NFL executives know or think they know about Carr's standing in Las Vegas?

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