The Washington Commanders recently released Carson Wentz, which means that the former MVP runner-up will soon be on his fourth team in as many seasons. Obviously, Wentz is nobody’s Plan A at this time in his career, but he still has the talent to be a cheap bridge starter for the right organization. When examining the free agent market, there are a few teams that stand out as possible fits.
This was just 4 years ago.
The fall of Carson Wentz needs to be studied in a lab. pic.twitter.com/WdhkF3Y8Zo
— Jake Rabadi (@JakeRabadiNFL) February 27, 2023
Top 5 Carson Wentz Free Agent Team Fits
1. New Orleans Saints
Needless to say, the Saints will not be on this list if they’re able to win the Derek Carr sweepstakes. However, for the time being, Carr is a free agent and we cannot assume that the Saints secure his services. If New Orleans can’t get Carr, they’re in pretty bad shape. Currently holding the 30th-overall pick, the team doesn’t have a way to get an elite quarterback prospect and their current cap space situation would make it hard for them to pay up for a veteran option like Jimmy Garoppolo. Carson Wentz will probably be cheap, and he is still capable of stretches of starting-caliber play. It’s definitely not ideal, but Wentz can hold down the fort while the Saints draft a development prospect like Hendon Hooker.
2. New York Jets
Much like the New Orleans Saints, the best option for the Jets is Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers. However, if the Jets can’t acquire either player, then Carson Wentz is an option for this team. While Garoppolo might offer more consistency, Wentz offers a higher ceiling, and that’s what you need when you share a division with Josh Allen. The Jets actually have a strong roster, and they don’t need a superstar to make a playoff push. They just need somebody better than Zach Wilson.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be all-in on Kyle Trask, which is a bold strategy. Perhaps the former second-round pick can actually play, but the Buccaneers shouldn’t place too much confidence in a guy that couldn’t even beat out Blaine Gabbert for the backup job. In this reality, Carson Wentz would have the opportunity to compete for the starting job, and he’d probably win that battle.
4. Arizona Cardinals
As of this posting, nobody knows if Kyler Murray will be ready for the start of the 2023 season. The quarterback tore his ACL late in the 2022 campaign and, considering how much the former first-overall pick relies on his legs, it could be a while before he’s ready for game action. If he can’t go, Carson Wentz is probably the free agent quarterback that comes closest to emulating Murray’s skillset. While he’s not as mobile as Murray, Wentz is capable of moving around and making plays with his legs. It would be a downgrade, but Arizona wouldn’t need to dramatically change their scheme with Wentz under center.
5. Baltimore Ravens
This fit only makes sense if Carson Wentz is willing to accept an unquestioned backup role. Lamar Jackson is still the best-case scenario for the Baltimore Ravens, but the team needs to have a Plan B in case they can not reach a long-term agreement with the former MVP. If the Ravens trade Jackson, they’ll definitely draft a rookie quarterback, but they’ll also need a bridge option like Wentz in case the rookie isn’t ready in Week 1.
Alternatively, if the team and Jackson can reach a long-term deal, the Ravens should probably find a better backup quarterback. Jackson has battled injuries in each of the past two seasons, and his physical style of play means that these ailments might be a regular occurrence. Wentz is capable of stepping in and starting, even if it is just for a brief period of time.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – USA Today Sports
