The Washington Commanders will also receive a 2022 seventh-round pick, in addition to quarterback Carson Wentz, Adam Schefter reports, thus completing their trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
In summation: Washington and Indianapolis swapped second-round picks in the upcoming draft, with Washington moving back to 47 and Indy moving up to 42. Additionally, Indy receives a 2022 third-round pick, and a conditional third-round pick in 2023 that can become a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70 percent of plays (that's 11.9 games out of a possible 17).
In addition to Wentz, Washington receives a 2022 seventh-rounder.
One of the more surprising trades of the offseason, details about the talks between Washington and Indianapolis that led to this accord are beginning to trickle out. And, at least at this point, they don't much favor Washington.
According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, Washington initially came in offering a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick for Wentz, but talks intensified Tuesday after Washington had officially missed out on Russell Wilson, resulting in Washington upping its offer.
"Washington will assume all of Wentz's 2022 salary — roughly $28 million — letting the Colts off the hook for the $15 million they owed him even if they cut him," Keefer writes.
It's hard to read that any other way than Washington panicking under its own self-imposed pressure. How otherwise does one explain going from a fourth- and a sixth-rounder to a third- and a conditional third-rounder, while also taking on all of Wentz's salary and moving back five spots in the second round of a talent-deep (outside of QB) draft.
All in the span of hours? Chris Ballard should be the early Executive of the Year favorite.
Or, perhaps there's another, more Washington-positive way of looking at this.
