The Colts brought in Carson Wentz this offseason to be the starter, but now he will be out for up to 12 weeks. However, the team doesn’t have much depth in the position. As a result, the Colts need to think about bringing someone new onto the roster.
The team has players like Jacob Eason, Brett Hundley, and Sam Ehlinger on its roster. However, it’s hard to believe that any of these three can lead Indianapolis to a division title. In addition, Hundley is the only one actually to play in an NFL game.
There are plenty of quarterbacks the Colts could take a chance. There are still free agents, backups, and retired players the Colts could pursue. The Colts feel they are in a position to compete for a division title. Last season, the Colts and Titans were neck and neck until the finals weeks of the season. As a result, both teams expect the same in 2021.
Wentz should return at some point this season. However, the Colts will need somebody to keep them in the playoff mix until Wentz is healthy. So without further ado, let’s look at some of the candidates the Colts should consider as a Carson Wentz replacement.
Jacoby Brisett
This is the quarterback that makes the most sense for the Colts. Brissett was on the team for four seasons and was the full-time starter in two of them. He knows the offense and could get the job done.
Brissett is currently the backup in Miami behind Tua Tagovailoa. However, it wouldn’t take much to acquire the former Colt. In addition, he already knows the playbook and has a relationship with the team’s receivers.
The only problem with this one is that the Dolphins might now want to trade Brissett. Brissett is back with one of his old coaches and is mentoring Tagovailoa. However, if the Colts want to compete in the AFC, they should acquire their old quarterback.
Brissett is dependable and could step in until Wentz is healthy. However, there’s another quarterback that has some experience with the Colts’ system.
Nick Foles
Nick Foles is one of the more interesting players we’ve seen in NFL history. He’s been traveling around the league and is currently the third quarterback on Chicago’s depth chart. However, a reunion with coach Frank Reich could be what both Foles and the Colts need.
Reich is one of the reasons the Colts got Wentz in the first place. Reich was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when they won the Super Bowl. It was also Wentz’s best season as a professional. However, when Wentz got hurt, Foles stepped up and led them to the Super Bowl.
It’s looking like Foles would welcome a trade to the Colts. In addition, he says he’s better now than when he was the Super Bowl MVP back in 2017.
�The version of me right now is better than the version of me that played in the Super Bowl.�
Nick Foles
Foles could come in and have an immediate impact. There’s a chance Reich and Foles could recreate the Magic from their Super Bowl run.
Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota is currently the backup the Derek Carr in Las Vegas. He hasn’t really gotten an opportunity since he was a member of the Titans. However, he has a lot to prove and will be a great option for the Colts.
Mariota is also taking a pay cut this season, so trade shouldn’t hurt the Colts regarding the salary cap. Mariota appeared in one game last season and showed he is still one of the more talented quarterbacks in the league.
He’s a dual-threat that can hurt a team with his legs just as much as his arm. As a result, the Raiders are implementing more plays for Mariota this season.
Mariota is a great player to have in any locker room. He’s a high-character guy who is always one of the harder workers on the team. As a result, Jon Gruden raves about Mariota’s talent, as well as his character.
�He�s a great talent. He took a team to the playoffs in the Titans went from worst to first with him. And he�s got as much football character as anybody you�ll meet. He�s a great athlete and a great teammate, and we�re excited to have him here.�
Jon Gruden
The Colts should think about Mariota as a Carson Wentz replacement. He’s one of the better backups in the league and deserves the opportunity to start somewhere. He has plenty of experience facing the Colts; now, he could be in a position to help them.
Jacob Eason
Eason is currently the backup on the Colts’ depth chart. Eason is going into his second season but was inactive his entire rookie year. However, he does know the system and is already on the roster.
The move to keep Eason as the starter makes sense given the time of Wentz’s injury. However, with the season being so close, the Colts might ride with Eason under center.
Gardner Minshew
![Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) launches a pass to Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert (88) during mid-fourth quarter action. The Jaguars came away with the victory with a final score of 20 to 27. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts for the season-opening game at TIAA Bank Field Sunday, September 13, 2020. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://sidelinesources.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/In-article-size-2021-08-03T115313.346.png)
This one seems unlikely because it’s rare that division rivals make trades with one another. However, it would be interesting to see Minshew Mania in Indianapolis.
Minshew has a lot of talent but is just on a mediocre Jaguars roster. In addition, Jacksonville is going in a new direction at quarterback.
Minshew is going into his third season in the NFL. He’s had an inconsistent start to his career. He can be lights out in some games, and in others, he can look below average.
Regardless, a fresh start could be good for Minshew. In addition, it wouldn’t hurt the Colts to at least give it a try. The team is considerably better than the Jaguars. As a result, we could finally see what Minshew could do with some talent around him.
