The Indianapolis Colts may not have wanted Carson Wentz to return as the quarterback in 2022, but the Washington Commanders are happy to have the 2016 No. 2 overall pick under center next season.
Wentz joined his third team in three seasons after March’s trade to Washington and reported to the team at the beginning of the offseason program. On Tuesday, fans got to see a glimpse of Wentz on the field for the first time as a Commander as the team opened OTAs.
After practice, the media met with head coach Ron Rivera and some of Washington’s players, including defensive tackle and team leader Jonathan Allen.
Allen talked about the Terry McLaurin contract — he fully supports his fellow captain — and discussed Wentz.
So far, Allen likes what he sees from Washington’s new quarterback.
“He’s everything you want from your starting quarterback,” Allen said of Wentz.
“He’s a leader, talks to every guy on the team, not just the receivers or the running backs or the offensive line. He talks to the defensive guys, and he wants to be here, and he wants to win. Really not much more I could ask from him.”
An endorsement from Allen is a significant step for Wentz. Allen has been a leader from the moment he was drafted in 2017 and has the respect of management, coaches and his teammates.
Every player who spoke, discussed Wentz Wednesday, including wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. Both expressed excitement to catch passes from Wentz.
While there were rumors concerning Wentz’s lack of leadership at his two previous stops, teammates have always defended the quarterback. Star players such as Jonathan Taylor and Darius Leonard defended Wentz after the Colts dealt him.
It sounds like Wentz is making all the right moves early in his Washington tenure to ingratiate himself with his new teammates.