If the Washington Commanders extended their offseason quarterback search by two weeks, they could've completed affordable deals for veterans such as Matt Ryan and Jimmy Garoppolo, or rolled the dice on Baker Mayfield. But the process convinced them to pursue a trade for Carson Wentz, who simply was a failed experiment with the Indianapolis Colts.
Washington's decision has received widespread criticism from fans. Not only did the team yield two third-round picks for Wentz and take on his $28 million salary for the 2022 season, they aggressively invested in a 29-year-old signal-caller who underperformed throughout 2021. Despite the doubts surrounding this move, former Washington quarterback Mark Rypien is optimistic.
"I really like Carson Wentz... I think Carson Wentz brings a different element to this team," Rypien told The DA Show on Thursday. "It's going to be something where, if we get another receiver, and we can stretch the field with McLaurin and somebody else, we've got a pretty good chance. With the running game and McKissic out of the backfield, having him signed. Our defense playing the way it did the last half of the season. What Jack Del Rio does is amazing.
"Coach Rivera has done an incredible job. Scott Turner and our whole system there on offense has got an opportunity to do something special. Washington needs it, at this point in time. We can't be sitting here saying, 'Well, next year, next year.' Everybody wants last year to be their year... Sometimes you've got to build a team. And I think we're getting close to that point where, it's about building, and now it's, get it done."
The entire Washington football conversation between Rypien and DA can be accessed in the audio player above.
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