Carson Wentz could be done as NFL starting quarterback
Carson Wentz was once an MVP favorite for a team which won the Super Bowl. Only five years later, he’s likely a backup moving forward.
Things change quickly in the NFL. Just ask Carson Wentz.
Wentz, 30, was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles traded two first-round choices as well as second, third and fourth-round selections over three drafts, all to move up and acquire the pick for Wentz. In his second year, Wentz took the league over, throwing for 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions, leading Philadelphia to an 11-2 record.
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Then, in a game against the Los Angeles Rams that December, he torn two knee ligaments. Nick Foles took over, won the Super Bowl, and nothing has been the same since.
On Monday, he was released by the Washington Commanders.
For Washington, it was an easy call. Wentz was due $26.1 million in 2023 but had no guarantees remaining. The Commanders now recoup all that cash and cap space. Either they try to upgrade at quarterback or give the job to second-year man Sam Howell.
As for Wentz, it seems his time as a starter is over. Assuming he catches on somewhere, he’ll be playing for his fourth team in as many years.
After winning a ring while on Injured Reserve, Wentz retained his starting job but has never returned to the Pro Bowl. His best season in the injury’s aftermath was 2019, when he eclipsed the 4,000-yard barrier for the only time in his career while throwing 27 touchdowns.
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However, Wentz was traded following the 2020 season to the Indianapolis Colts, with the Eagles eating a whopping $34 million in dead money while receiving first- and third-round choices. After only one season with Indy — which included a meltdown in Week 18 against the only Jacksonville Jaguars with the postseason on the line — Wentz was again traded, this time to Washington for a pair of third-round picks.
In a year where four quarterbacks could be first-rounders and the free agency crop includes Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and Lamar Jackson (sort of), Wentz won’t be in demand. Factor in the potential trade of Aaron Rodgers along with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield being free agents, and there’s ample options for teams in need under center.
Wentz had a great start to his career, but recent production says it’s unlikely he’s starting going forward.
