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During training camp with the Indianapolis Colts, recently acquired quarterback Carson Wentz injured his foot, leading to him being sidelined indefinitely.
Even though there is no confirmation of what problem he has, there are some fears that the issue could be a Lifranc joint injury. These types of injuries could last up to 11 months. Nonetheless, this predicament has placed a huge hole in the offense and could jeopardize their whole season. However, there are still chances that a trade or signing can help fill the void. With that being said, here are three moves that the Colts can make to ease Wentz's absence.
Acquire Jimmy Garoppolo via trade
Even though the Colts have some young gunslingers in their roster, they can't gamble on their development. They need some veteran experience.
Enter Jimmy Garoppolo.
Last season, with limited playing time due to injury, Garoppolo tossed for 1,000 yards, 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. In the last season he played a full 16 games (2019), he tossed for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While he is very much injury-prone and could just make things even worse, his solid play can make any team better. His overall IQ and throwing abilities could be useful for the Colts and should still keep them in contention within the AFC South. The issues here would be what to give away to acquire the 49ers' QB and whether or not they are ready to move on. Trey Lance is a rookie, and his college tape has shown that he still has much to improve on in terms of overall style of play and mechanics. His development will be crucial for the next year or so, and having Jimmy G start for the 49ers would be ideal.
Overall, the Colts and Garoppolo would thrive together, but it's a matter of if and when he would be moved.
Acquire Gardner Minshew II via trade
If Jimmy G isn't available in the trade market, the Colts should look within the division to nab a quarterback who has swagger, has shown to have great potential and can be a true game manager given the right team.
You see, getting Gardner Minshew II would not only provide the team with probably the sexiest player to ever live, but he would be a great plug-in QB who can produce while Wentz recovers from his injury.
During his time with the Jaguars, Minshew has managed to do things that not many other young QB's could do in a depleted offense: produce. In 2020, while he was nursing some injuries, he put up 2,259 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in nine games. Compared to other starters like Drew Locke and even Sam Darnold, some would say that this youngster is doing a pretty damn good job. Just imagine Minshew-mania in the Colts. With an amazing offensive line, great weapons on the outside and a pretty groovy running back group, the sky is truly the limit for him.
Get Cam Newton–somehow
This acquisition of the former MVP will take some time, but it may be worth it in the end.
Cam Newton is currently in an interesting situation with his current team, the New England Patriots. Even though he has the advantage to win the starting position, there is a chance that he loses that job quickly. However, that will only happen once former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones figures out the playbook and shows confidence in his play. That shouldn't be too hard, though. Viewed as a cookie-cutter version of Tom Brady, head coach Bill Bellicheck would kill to have someone like Brady again. He has that with Jones. Once he is the starter, Newton could be viewed as a trade target and many may call about his services.
This is where the Colts come in.
For now, the team can easily ride on the back of Jacob Eason throughout training camp and the pre-season. However, once the regular season starts and the starting QB's are named, Newton could be sitting on a bench. The Colts would then easily swoop in for the former Panthers gunslinger and reap huge benefits. He has still shown to be an excellent mobile QB with a ton of power in his arm. Add that with this current Indy offense, and he may be the perfect replacement for Wentz whilst they wait on his recovery.
However, this trade does come with some issues. Besides Newton's hefty contract, the Colts would have to commit to him for quite some time. There is no current timetable on Wentz's return, and taking a gamble could be costly. Also, trading for him would be just as difficult, as the Patriots may up the ante so they can get the best return possible.
However the Colts go on this situation, there is still a big chance that they can reach the postseason with any of these QBs. Knowing Ballard's aggressiveness and head coach Frank Reich's willingness to change a playbook to compliment a certain QB, it's just a matter of when a trade will happen.
