Heading into last year’s offseason, the expectation was always for the Washington Commanders to move on from Carson Wentz as they embraced a future with Sam Howell. Wentz was released from his contract in February, giving him and his player agent plenty of time to get out ahead of the free agency market, discussing contracts with any team interested in adding the former No. 2 overall pick.
At the time of his release, the expectation was for the former Pro Bowl QB to quickly land on his feet, getting yet another chance to prove his ability to lead a team, even if it wasn’t in a defined starter role. With Wentz entering his age-30 year and coming off three consecutive poor seasons, he was likely only ever looking at a backup position.
Still, there was never any indication that a team even had an interest in Wentz throughout free agency. There weren’t any official visits.
Wentz never had any plans to sit out the season, but as the weeks came and went, it looked like the eighth-year pro might not have an NFL home in 2023.
Then, out of nowhere, with several teams facing key injuries to the QB position, Wentz signed with the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 7, where he’s expected to operate as Matthew Stafford’s backup QB after the release of Brett Rypien. Yet, with Stafford also banged up as of late, it’s possible Wentz sees action sooner than later.
While Wentz joined the Rams, he also reportedly reached out to the New York Jets following the team’s 27-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 6. With Zach Wilson continuing to struggle, yet the Jets boasting a top-ten defense, Wentz and his agency felt like he could potentially supplant the young QB in the Big Apple.
Nevertheless, the Jets had no interest, choosing to stick with their former No. 2 overall pick instead. Meanwhile, Wentz landed in Los Angeles, where he may have the chance to operate coach Sean McVay’s offense on short notice, almost like how Baker Mayfield did so late last season before landing a starting gig with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past offseason too.
With Mayfield thriving now, perhaps Wentz hopes to take a similar path, but first, he’ll have to see the field and play well, which is not something we’ve seen from him the last time he saw extended action.
Related: See where Zach Wilson lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings