Superstar Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions Kanas City Chiefs have a veteran backup to add depth, and he is a former No. 2 overall pick.
Carson Wentz is inking a one-year deal with the Chiefs, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday night.
Wentz, selected with the No. 2 pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State University by the Philadelphia Eagles, is now headed for his fifth team in as many seasons and is also the definition of a journeyman.
A one-time Pro Bowler in five years in the city of ‘Brotherly Love’, Wentz’s days with the Eagles ended after a turbulent 2020 season, and opportunities to remain a starter with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders likewise went awry in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Last year, he joined the Los Angeles Rams late in the campaign as they were looking for a veteran backup. He took the field in just one game, a Week 18 win over the San Francisco 49ers with starters on each side resting. Wentz tallied three total touchdowns in the victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis time around, Wentz will not need to wait by the phone for someone to call or be on ice the offseason and much of the regular season to find a job.
He lands with the Chiefs, reigning rulers of the NFL world, and joins a quarterback room led by Mahomes and also housing Chris Oladokun and Ian Book.
The 31-year-old Wentz might have seen his last days as a starter, but he has ample experience to provide the Chiefs if needed and furthering his career under the tutelage of head coach Andy Reid certainly cannot hurt. Wentz is eager to fill a role previously occupied by Blaine Gabbert last season and previously by Chad Henne and Matt Moore.
Through parts of eight NFL seasons, Wentz has played in 95 games, posted a 47-45-1 record as a starter, and thrown for 22,292 yards, 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. Perhaps also of note is that the 6-foot-5, 237-pounder has underrated athletic ability and a solid short-yardage ground gainer who could potentially chip in if needed, as the Chiefs have long been reluctant to use Mahomes on sneaks due to past injuries.
The Chiefs have their next veteran backup, and Wentz has found a
new home in KC.
