Jonathan Allen on Carson Wentz: 'One of the best teammates I’ve ever had'
The Washington Commanders took a big gamble last March by trading multiple draft picks to the Indianapolis Colts for quarterback Carson Wentz. After all, what made Washington think it was any different than the other two organizations that had given up on Wentz in 12 months?
Wentz's time in Washington ended predictably. He wasn't very good. Sure, it's impossible to lay everything at the feet of Wentz. A poor-constructed roster, specifically along the offensive line, hampered Washington's already suspect quarterbacks. Wentz ended up making seven starts, and in his final start against the Cleveland Browns, he threw three interceptions.
Wentz has two years remaining on his contract, but none of the money is guaranteed, meaning the Commanders can move on from him with no dead cap.
Defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen spoke to the "Sports Junkies" on 106.7 The Fan this week and was asked about Wentz. Allen made it clear he's a fan of Wentz despite what opinions might be circulating from others.
"One thing I don't like about the NFL is how narratives get started," Allen said. "Things could've been different on other teams; I don't know what happened, but I do know that ever since Carson came here, he's been one of the most humble guys I've ever met. When he originally got hurt against (the Chicago Bears), he was around the team the entire time. He was super encouraging. He was super positive.
"When he came back from being hurt, when he was on the practice, or scout team giving looks, he was out there giving 100% effort, running around, super high energetic. So, again, I don't know what happened on those other teams, but from what I've seen from Carson Wentz here, he's a guy you want in your locker room. He was just so good for the guys, the young guys. Hopeful, humble. He was one of the best teammates I've ever had."
Sure, things didn't work out on the field, but it's clear Wentz made a positive impression on his teammates. Allen has praised Wentz before, as have others, and Allen made it clear it was time to end the narrative of Wentz being a bad teammate.
Paste BN Sports+ producer Victoria Hernandez contributed to this story.