The days of seeing Carson Wentz go well with up as an NFL workforce’s beginning quarterback are seemingly lengthy gone. After a collection of years underperforming for 3 totally different groups, Wentz was launched by the Washington Commanders. Yes, Wentz’s time within the highlight could also be closed, however his time in another person’s shadow not named Nick Foles is simply starting. So, who’s going to land him? More importantly, what workforce would take advantage of sense? Well, if you happen to check out the betting odds, the favorites are…the Kansas City Chiefs?
With Chad Henne retired, KC might use an skilled No. 2 QB
According to OddsChecker US, the Chiefs are being given +300 odds, or an implied 25 p.c probability, to snag Wentz. But why would they need him? OddsChecker spokesperson Kyle Newman says, “Chiefs longtime backup quarterback Chad Henne just retired. They need a replacement and are likely looking for a high-end one. Wentz fits the bill.” All of that’s true, and with the Chiefs’ Super Bowl window nonetheless extensive open, having a strong backup who might probably carry the workforce on a deep postseason run ought to Patrick Mahomes go down could also be attractive, however let’s not overlook that Wentz has to share the identical emotions.
Is Wentz actually prepared to surrender on the hopes of incomes tons more money as a workforce’s starter? There must be some workforce on the market that’s nonetheless keen to take an opportunity on him, proper? And even when no workforce is keen to provide him starter cash, wouldn’t Wentz need the chance to show he’s value that sort of cash?
Maybe I’m incorrect. Maybe I’m only a loopy whippersnapper who doesn’t perceive what appeals to a man like Wentz. That stated, there are a number of different groups listed on Wentz’s odds board that make extra sense at a look. The Atlanta Falcons are being given +700 odds or an implied 12.5 p.c probability — tied for the fourth-best odds of any workforce. They simply launched Marcus Mariota and appear like they will roll with Desmond Ridder in 2023. Now, Ridder didn’t look atrocious when given the chance to begin towards the tip of final season. Four video games, zero interceptions. Even with solely two landing passes, the ball management is promising.
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There could also be choices for Wentz to begin someplace
The NFC South is extensive open for the taking. The Falcons have one of many youthful rosters within the NFL — the sixth-youngest in 2022. Tom Brady is gone. The Saints are in cap hell. The Panthers have zero thought what they’re going to do at quarterback — although they met with Derek Carr — and are heading into 2023 with a brand new head coach, albeit one with earlier head teaching expertise already in Frank Reich, a identified QB whisperer. Carolina is probably the most worrisome workforce given its litany of draft picks and promising end to 2022, going 4-2 in its final six video games. Still, the Falcons’ door to take over the division is open, and also you’d suppose they’d need a serviceable backup able to main an offense ought to Ridder not work out, which continues to be an enormous chance. That looks like a way more logical conclusion to leap to than “the Chiefs need a backup, so they’re going to get Wentz.”
There are cheaper choices on the market
Of the numerous quarterbacks accessible this offseason, Wentz could also be the costliest of any backup possibility. The Chiefs are presently within the crimson in relation to cap house in response to Spotrac. Why would they go for such an costly possibility to sit down on the bench when guys like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, and Taylor Heinicke are all accessible, are shut or superior to Wentz’s expertise degree, and possibly cheaper?
At this cut-off date, I nonetheless consider Wentz may be greater than only a bona fide backup. Is he ok to be a franchise man? Not in any respect, however for a workforce with an unproven commodity at starter, or simply seeking to preserve their head afloat whereas they peruse by the draft or watch for a big-name free agent to come back alongside, Wentz makes quite a lot of sense.
What concerning the Green Bay Packers if Aaron Rodgers leaves?
One workforce that isn’t even listed on Wentz’s odds that I believe makes quite a lot of sense is the Green Bay Packers. Of course, that’s assuming Aaron Rodgers leaves the workforce. Obviously, it’s too early to inform whether or not or not he’ll stay in Green Bay, however the odds say that it’s greater than seemingly that Rodgers heads to Vegas, New York, or Tennessee. In that state of affairs, the Packers would clearly flip to former first-round decide Jordan Love. We haven’t seen a lot of him. If the Packers belief him, superior, however by two years within the NFL, he’s began only one sport, thrown 83 passes, and has as many touchdowns as interceptions. If the Packers need to guarantee they proceed competing within the NFC North, grabbing an emergency veteran is sensible. Yes, he’s costly, however their starter on this state of affairs would nonetheless be on a rookie contract, so Wentz’s contract in all probability wouldn’t do a lot injury to their cap state of affairs.
While the Chiefs clearly need to seize a second-string signal-caller they’ll belief and never should depend on the likes of former seventh-rounder Chris Oladokun or the undrafted Shane Buechele — who some man on Twitter who describes himself as a bastard in his bio made certain to inform us was active all yr so one other couldn’t signal him off the observe squad “knowing he’s the future backup” — Wentz appears too dear for the Chiefs. Given the dire want different groups have at quarterback, I discover it more likely that another person will probably be keen to pay the person greater than what Kansas City would fairly provide. While the Chiefs are the favorites, I’d be completely shocked to see him on that sideline in 2023.