All-Pro Quarterback and former Los Angeles Ram Carson Wentz is linked as a landing spot for Super Bowl contender, Kansas City Chiefs. Wentz has had a tough time finding a job in the past two offseasons after spending at least a season as a Ram. He wasn’t a starter by any means, but he notched 163 passing yards and two touchdowns with one interception on 24 attempts. The North Dakota State product was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the highest-drafted FCS player.
It was been a downhill battle for the former second-rounder as he isn’t expected to be a starter for any team for the rest of his career. However, his playing abilities have earned him enough to be a backup for any team that needs it. According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, he would fit well behind Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. The Chiefs have a void behind them after Blaine Gabbert hits the open market to land with another team.
Wentz could fill in nicely behind Mahomes to provide that veteran presence in case he goes down with an injury. Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the league and no other QB has been on the level he has. However, they haven’t had a reliable quarterback since Chad Henne in 2021. Henne flashed that year, especially in a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield.
After suffering an injury mid-game, he stepped in for Mahomes and took them to a victory over the Browns. Wentz could replicate that same energy as a reliable veteran behind Mahomes since his days as a starter are done.
All-Pro Quarterback Carson Wentz Linked as Landing Spot for Kansas City Chiefs
The Team Could Use Him as Insurance
One NFL team that probably never has to worry about benching their quarterback is the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes has proven enough that he’s going to be a superstar-caliber leader like Tom Brady was in his Super Bowl reign with the Patriots. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need a backup. Injuries happen and they bring reliability set in stone rather than never.
Worst-case scenarios could always happen like Mahomes sitting out for a season. If they don’t find a backup before the season, they will have to rush to find one mid-year. This wouldn’t give someone like Wentz enough time to adjust the Chiefs’ offense. It would be wise for the Chiefs to grab the North Dakota State product on a cheap two-year affordable to learn behind Mahomes. Wentz would be able to fill that role and he’ll be given serviceable snaps in the pre-season.
The $128 million quarterback did have the chance to speak with Kansas City last offseason. Both sides may revisit these talks, but until then the team will look to go on a three-peat. Wentz is reportedly open to getting back behind a championship-type team to adjust to a winning culture.
Other Potential Spots for Wentz
It seems like Wentz has been one of the free agents that teams are forgetting this offseason. After his stint with Washington, he had to wait until November 2023 to find a new NFL contract. His opportunity came with the Rams to learn behind Matthew Stafford. If he wants a chance for one last shot for a starting role then he could reach out to the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos probably won’t have a chance to target a reliable franchiser with the No. 12 so adding Wentz may make sense. However, the Chargers are one other potential destination for the veteran. Los Angeles also doesn’t have a reliable backup behind Justin Herbert so that’s a possibility. If Wentz is willing to remain a backup, his go-to are the Chargers or the Chiefs.
