Unsigned free agent quarterback Carson Wentz is reportedly planning on playing this coming season and willing to explore different roles with teams showing interest.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated on SportsCenter that Wentz continues to prepare to play, even though he currently remains without a team.
“I was told he’s been working out in L.A., plans to play this year,” Fowler explained. “He’s had interest from some teams. He’s open to various roles; could be as a starter, could be as a backup, but he just wants to play this coming year.”
The 30-year-old Wentz’s current status is a far cry from when he first entered the league as the second overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, he started all 16 games during his rookie year.
In 2017, Wentz was seemingly on his way to becoming the league’s MVP after leading the Eagles to an 11-2 record and throwing 33 touchdowns. However, a devastating ACL injury in his left knee ended his season and slowly began his downward spiral as a player.
Over the next two seasons, Wentz combined to throw for more than 7,000 yards and 48 touchdowns. However, his 27 starts resulted in a mediocre 14-13 record for the Eagles.
Following a miserable 2020 campaign that included a league-high 15 interceptions, Wentz was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
Spending just one season with the Colts, Wentz was then traded to the Washington Commanders last year, starting in seven of the eight games he saw action in with the team last season.
Wentz’s exit from the Colts came after the team faded toward the end of the 2021 regular season. Losses in each of the final two contests resulted in the Colts missing the playoffs.
Exactly which teams might consider signing Wentz is unknown, though having an experienced veteran serving in a reserve capacity is something that many teams continually seek.
In some instances, a starting role might be available for Wentz. Such jobs are usually offered by teams with young or rookie quarterbacks who aren’t quite ready to take the reins behind center.
Wentz might end up waiting until training camps begin and preseason games get underway. At that point, teams could have more concerns about their quarterback situations and make inviting offers for the veteran’s services.
Regardless of which team potentially signs Wentz, his window of opportunity to get his career back on track dwindles with each passing year. Another nondescript season could permanently relegate him to reserve status or even bring about the end of his career.
