Colts Rumors: Sam Ehlinger Could Get Shot to Be Starting QB After Carson Wentz Trade

The Indianapolis Colts are set to have a new man under center in 2022 after trading quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders on Wednesday. But Indianapolis might already have Wentz's replacement on its roster.

According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, the Colts could be planning to give backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger a shot at becoming the team's starter.

"The Colts will certainly look to upgrade, via free agency or the draft, limited as their options might be. But, according to one source, don’t rule out Ehlinger getting a chance at the starting job," Keefer wrote.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts acquired Washington's third-round draft picks in 2022 and 2023, while next year's can become a second-rounder if Wentz plays a certain number of snaps this upcoming season. The teams also exchanged their second-round picks in this year's draft, allowing Indianapolis to move up from No. 47 to No. 42.

The Colts still don't have a first-round draft pick because of their trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for Wentz in 2021, so they won't have a chance at the top quarterbacks. While this year's class isn't considered to be very deep at the position, Indianapolis could find a prospect worth taking a chance on.

The only other quarterback on the Colts roster besides Ehlinger is James Morgan. Neither of them has ever attempted a pass in an NFL game.

Drafted out of Texas in the sixth round last year, Ehlinger is signed to a four-year rookie deal. The 23-year-old had a stint on injured reserve after suffering an ACL sprain in the preseason. He was activated Oct. 19 and placed in the backup role when Indianapolis waived quarterback Jacob Eason that same day.

A four-year starter for the Longhorns, Ehlinger threw for 11,436 yards, 94 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in 46 games.