Report: Wentz's poor leadership, reckless style led to exit from Colts

The writing was on the wall for Carson Wentz's exit from Indianapolis long before the Colts' reported decision to trade the quarterback to the Washington Commanders.

Indianapolis' issues with Wentz began before last season, a source told Zak Keefer of The Athletic. Over the course of the campaign, some members of the team reportedly "grew frustrated at what they deemed a lack of leadership, a resistance to hard coaching, and a reckless style of play."

Moreover, some inside the Colts' building were done with Wentz even prior to the club losing its final two games of the season to miss the playoffs after appearing to be a near-lock for a wild-card spot entering Week 17.

Wentz completed just 59% of his passes for 166.5 yards per game and had two touchdowns against one interception in the losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

While Wentz's poor play down the stretch impacted the decision, the Colts' decision-makers reportedly made the call to move on in large part due to a lack of belief in the quarterback's ability to act like a franchise player moving forward.

Wentz faced similar criticism during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded him to the Colts last year for first- and third-round picks.

Head coach Frank Reich, who advocated for trading for Wentz last year after coaching him with the Philadelphia Eagles, apologized to owner Jim Irsay after the season, adds Keefer.

Talks between Washington and Indianapolis ramped up after the Commanders missed out on Russell Wilson. They eventually upped their offer of fourth- and sixth-round picks to two third-rounders and a swap of second-rounders to seal the trade.

The NFC East club apparently also agreed to take on the entirety of Wentz's contract.

The Colts, meanwhile, will enter Week 1 with a new starting quarterback for the sixth season in a row.