The Washington Commanders conducted an extensive search to find their new franchise quarterback. Washington struck out on Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson before taking a shot on Carson Wentz, hoping to revitalize his career.
Before the Commanders landed Wentz, Washington was going to make an interesting phone call to a 32-year-old quarterback who hasn't played a down since 2018. Per ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders considered Andrew Luck as an option but "that went nowhere."
Washington wanted to make sure every "i" was dotted, according to Keim, which brings up the question: If Luck said "no" to Jim Irsay and the Indianapolis Colts before, why would he come out of retirement and say "yes" to Daniel Snyder and the Commanders?
Irsay already told Colts fans Luck was "definitely retired" and Luck has given no indication he wants to return. Luck's last full season was in 2018, when he completed 67.3% of his passes for 4,593 yards with 39 touchdowns to 15 interceptions (98.7 rating) -- winning Comeback Player of the Year a season removed from shoulder surgery. That injured shoulder lasted several years before a calf injury led to his early retirement.
The Commanders had a pipe dream of convincing Luck to come out of retirement, but instead went for the reclamation project in Wentz -- who has a lot to prove as Washington is likely his last opportunity to start in the NFL.
"I know definitely it's humbling without a doubt, to go from where I was in Philly to then being benched and traded. I'm aware of what that does and I try and just stay optimistic, try and stay optimistic and positive, and just make the most of it," Wentz said last week "And so I don't hold a grudge, try not to walk around like there's a chip on my shoulder or any of those things. It definitely refuels my fire for the game and my passion for the game to be the best I can be and realize this period of time in an NFL athlete's career is a short window. It's a short window.
"And so there's a lot to just pour my heart and soul into everything I got for this game for as long as I can, and make the most of it. And like I said, to feel that I'm wanted here and people believe in me and support me, I think it'll be a great situation to flourish."