Report: Before Trading for Carson Wentz, the Colts Checked in on the Raiders’ Derek Carr Among QB Options

According to the IndyStar’s Jim Ayello, before trading for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz on Thursday morning, the Indianapolis Colts also checked in on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Derek Carr among potential league alternatives:

It’s not necessarily surprising—all things considered.

The 2014 2nd round pick and 3x Raiders’ Pro Bowler completed 348 of 517 pass attempts (67.3% completion) for 4,103 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a passer rating of 101.4 during all 16 starts this past season.

The Colts assuredly performed their due diligence on all possible available quarterback options this offseason from Carr, to the New York Jets’ Sam Darnold, and maybe even quick calls on the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson and Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (expecting equally quick hang-ups), etc.—before ultimately setting their eyes on Wentz for good.

For what it’s worth, the Raiders were reported to prefer trading backup Marcus Mariota over Carr earlier this offseason and recent reports were that Las Vegas wasn’t willing to part ways with their starting quarterback.

At one point, it was even rumored that the Raiders would request two first round picks for any suitor looking to trade for Carr—which was a much steeper price tag than what the Colts ultimately dealt for Wentz: a 2021 third round pick and a 2022 conditional second rounder (that can transform into a first round pick).

Regardless, it’s a moot point because the Colts finalized a deal with the Eagles for Wentz—who will hopefully be their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.