After wearing out his welcome in Philly, Indianapolis and Washington, Carson Wentz is looking for his fourth team in four years. Earlier this week, the Commanders saved $26 million on the salary cap by releasing him.
Here are three potential options for Wentz in 2023.
Denver Broncos
Wentz might have a difficult time finding a starting gig after his past few seasons. But it’s possible he becomes a backup for a team with a shaky quarterback situation.
Russell Wilson underperformed last season, regressing in virtually every part of his game as the Broncos limped to a 5-12 record.
Sean Payton was hired as head coach to clean up the mess and get the most out of Wilson. It’s possible Payton brings in Wentz as a backup, per NBC Sports’ “The Peter King Podcast.”
“If I were him, I’d want to go to Denver. And I’d basically have Sean Payton on day one say absolutely, unequivocally Russell Wilson is our quarterback. We’re not going to have a competition for it,” King said.
Added King: “Forget about playing football. He needs to go somewhere and learn the position all over again and really have greatness reinforced in him.”
Pro Football Network and Mile High Sports have also listed the Broncos as a potential landing spot for Wentz.
Carolina Panthers
Wentz and new Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich go way back. Reich was Wentz’s offensive coordinator in Philadelphia during his MVP-level season in 2017.
When things didn’t work out for Wentz in Philadelphia, Reich, who was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts at the time, gave him a second chance and traded for him to see if the down-and-out quarterback was salvageable.
The Colts missed the playoffs and Wentz was run out of town. However, a third stint of Wentz and Reich might make sense.
Wentz knows Reich’s offense well. He had his best season under it. Reich and the Panthers could sign Wentz to a cheap contract and turn him into a bridge quarterback for whomever they draft.
The Panthers have the No. 9 overall pick and are looking for an answer at quarterback. Wentz could be their answer, even if it’s only for one year.
Los Angeles Rams
Wentz in a Rams jersey might take some getting used to. But it makes sense to bring him in as a backup to Matthew Stafford, who is recovering from a spinal cord contusion injury.
Signing Wentz on a cheap deal to be the backup would be a good insurance policy in case Stafford, 35, goes down again.
Rams head coach Sean McVay is an offensive guru and quarterbacks often succeed in his system. Quarterbacks like Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield all played well in McVay’s offense.
Wentz could be McVay’s next project. If he manages to resurrect his career, it would be another addition to McVay’s impressive resume.
