The days of seeing Carson Wentz swimsuit up as an NFL crew’s beginning quarterback are possible lengthy gone. After a collection of years underperforming for 3 completely 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 crew would take advantage of sense? Well, when you check out the betting odds, the favorites are…the Kansas City Chiefs?
With Chad Henne retired, KC may use an skilled No. 2 QB
According to OddsChecker US, the Chiefs are being given +300 odds, or an implied 25 p.c likelihood, 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 large open, having a strong backup who may probably carry the crew on a deep postseason run ought to Patrick Mahomes go down could also be engaging, however let’s not neglect that Wentz has to share the identical emotions.
Is Wentz actually prepared to surrender on the hopes of incomes tons additional cash as a crew’s starter? There needs to be some crew on the market that’s nonetheless keen to take an opportunity on him, proper? And even when no crew is keen to offer him starter cash, wouldn’t Wentz need the chance to show he’s value that kind 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 likelihood — tied for the fourth-best odds of any crew. They simply launched Marcus Mariota and seem like they will roll with Desmond Ridder in 2023. Now, Ridder didn’t look atrocious when given the chance to start out 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 start out someplace
The NFC South is large 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 crew 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 assume they’d desire 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 various quarterbacks obtainable this offseason, Wentz could also be the most costly of any backup possibility. The Chiefs are presently within the purple with regards to cap house in keeping with Spotrac. Why would they go for such an costly possibility to take a seat on the bench when guys like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, and Taylor Heinicke are all obtainable, are shut or superior to Wentz’s expertise stage, and possibly cheaper?
At this cut-off date, I nonetheless consider Wentz might be greater than only a bona fide backup. Is he adequate to be a franchise man? Not in any respect, however for a crew with an unproven commodity at starter, or simply seeking to preserve their head afloat whereas they peruse via the draft or look forward to a big-name free agent to come back alongside, Wentz makes a whole lot of sense.
What in regards to the Green Bay Packers if Aaron Rodgers leaves?
One crew that isn’t even listed on Wentz’s odds that I believe makes a whole lot of sense is the Green Bay Packers. Of course, that’s assuming Aaron Rodgers leaves the crew. 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 possible that Rodgers heads to Vegas, New York, or Tennessee. In that situation, the Packers would clearly flip to former first-round choose Jordan Love. We haven’t seen a lot of him. If the Packers belief him, superior, however via 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 smart. Yes, he’s costly, however their starter on this situation would nonetheless be on a rookie contract, so Wentz’s contract most likely 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 will belief and never have to 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 positive 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 might be keen to pay the person greater than what Kansas City would moderately provide. While the Chiefs are the favorites, I’d be completely shocked to see him on that sideline in 2023.
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