Wentz trade finally official

INDIANAPOLIS >> The Indianapolis Colts made their big offseason splash last month. They just couldn’t talk about it until Wednesday.

Thirty minutes after the start of the new league year, the Colts made it official by announcing they’d acquired quarterback Carson Wentz from the Eagles for two draft picks. Indy gave up a third-rounder this year and a second-rounder in 2022, which could become a first-round pick if Wentz takes 75% of Indy’s snaps this season.

“We’re excited to add Carson to our team and know he will contribute to the culture that we’ve established here,” general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “We believe that Carson’s relationship with (coach Frank Reich) and his familiarity with our offensive staff made this the right move for our organization.”

The biggest question since the deal was made Feb. 18 had been what number Wentz would wear after receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts’ top draft pick last season, declined to give up his No. 11 jersey. That may be settled now, too, after one of Wentz’s biggest fans — Giovanni Hamilton — donned a blue No. 2 jersey in a Twitter post.

The move reunites Wentz with Reich, who worked with Wentz for his first two NFL seasons as the Eagles offensive coordinator. Wentz finished third in the MVP voting in 2017.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Carson again and he will be a fantastic addition to this organization,” Reich said. “I have the utmost respect for him as a competitor and his integrity as a man. Carson will bring great leadership to our locker room and will be an asset for the Colts both on the field and in our community.”

Last year, though, Wentz struggled. He completed just 57.4% of his passes while throwing for 2,620 yards — both career lows. His 16 TD passes tied a career low and his 15 interceptions and 50 sacks were both career highs. The Eagles benched Wentz for their final four games.

One thing that could help Wentz turn around his career in Indy: playing behind a better offensive line. Since threetime All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson arrived in 2018, the Colts have been ranked among the league’s best at keeping quarterbacks upright.