49ers news: 5 possible trade partners for Jimmy Garoppolo
By Peter Panacy
49ers Trade Partner No. 2: Indianapolis Colts
Yes, the Indianapolis Colts sent off draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles with the hope that reuniting embattled quarterback Carson Wentz with his former offensive coordinator in Philly, now-Colts head coach Frank Reich, would rekindle Wentz’s otherwise dwindling career.
True, Wentz has had some decent moments, including some quality play during Indy’s Monday Night Football overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But five weeks through the regular season, the Colts still find themselves with a lowly 1-4 record in a lowly AFC South.
And Wentz hasn’t been much of a solution. At all.
Booting Wentz this year won’t happen, of course, as he’d cost $35.4 million in dead money the Colts agreed to take on from the Eagles. And next year’s hit of $15 million would hurt, too, except for the fact releasing Wentz would free up over $13 million in cap space.
There’s no dead money on Wentz’s contract beyond 2022.
San Francisco would likely have to eat a good chunk of Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract this season, which would only happen if the Eagles sent off a prized draft pick in return. But next year’s cap space for Indy, $58.7 million, is more than enough to absorb Garoppolo’s deal.
Considering how wide open the AFC South is and the fact the Colts, like the Steelers, are wasting an awfully fine defense because of offensive shortcomings, a would-be deal for Garoppolo carries some weight.