The times of seeing Carson Wentz go well with up as an NFL crew’s beginning quarterback are probably lengthy gone. After a collection of years underperforming for 3 completely different groups, Wentz was released by the Washington Commanders. Sure, 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? Extra importantly, what crew would take advantage of sense? Nicely, in the event you check out the betting odds, the favorites are…the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs?
With Chad Henne retired, KC may use an skilled No. 2 QB
Based on OddsChecker US, the Chiefs are being given +300 odds, or an implied 25 p.c likelihood, to snag Wentz. However why would they need him? OddsChecker spokesperson Kyle Newman says, “Chiefs longtime backup quarterback Chad Henne simply retired. They want a alternative and are probably in search of a high-end one. Wentz suits the invoice.” All of that’s true, and with the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl window nonetheless huge 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 extra 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 present him starter cash, wouldn’t Wentz need the chance to show he’s price that sort of cash?
Perhaps I’m incorrect. Perhaps 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 released Marcus Mariota and seem like they’ll roll with Desmond Ridder in 2023. Now, Ridder didn’t look atrocious when given the chance to begin towards the top of final season. 4 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 huge 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 — though 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. Nonetheless, 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 remains to be an enormous risk. That looks as if a way more logical conclusion to leap to than “the Chiefs want a backup, in order that they’re going to get Wentz.”
There are cheaper choices on the market
Of the various quarterbacks accessible this offseason, Wentz could also be the most costly of any backup choice. The Chiefs are at the moment within the pink in the case of cap house in line with Spotrac. Why would they go for such an costly choice 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 stage, and possibly cheaper?
At this cut-off date, I nonetheless imagine Wentz could be greater than only a bona fide backup. Is he ok to be a franchise man? By no means, however for a crew with an unproven commodity at starter, or simply trying to maintain their head afloat whereas they peruse by the draft or await a big-name free agent to return alongside, Wentz makes lots of sense.
What in regards to the Inexperienced Bay Packers if Aaron Rodgers leaves?
One crew that isn’t even listed on Wentz’s odds that I feel makes lots of sense is the Inexperienced Bay Packers. After all, that’s assuming Aaron Rodgers leaves the crew. Clearly, it’s too early to inform whether or not or not he’ll stay in Inexperienced Bay, however the odds say that it’s greater than probably that Rodgers heads to Vegas, New York, or Tennessee. In that state of affairs, 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 by two years within the NFL, he’s began only one recreation, 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. Sure, 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 scenario.
Whereas the Chiefs clearly need to seize a second-string signal-caller they will belief and never need 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 12 months so one other couldn’t signal him off the observe squad “understanding he’s the long run backup” — Wentz appears too expensive 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 Metropolis would moderately provide. Whereas the Chiefs are the favorites, I’d be completely shocked to see him on that sideline in 2023.
