Carson Wentz entered the NFL with high expectations in 2016, but now, it seems no team is willing to take a chance on him. Selected second overall in that year’s draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz most recently had a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, yet he remains unemployed heading into the new season.
After spending his first five seasons with the Eagles, the quarterback eventually became mired in controversy. Following several years of bouncing around the league, Wentz signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs last year, hoping to rehabilitate his image and secure a long-term opportunity.
He accomplished part of his goal, serving as a reliable backup to Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ run to Super Bowl LIX. However, his bigger ambition-to land a starting role-has proven far more complicated. As Fansided analyst Mark Powell explained, the current market doesn’t offer many opportunities for quarterbacks in Wentz’s position.
Wentz has fallen off the NFL radar
Powell noted that, in principle, a return to Kansas City is off the table. The Chiefs have moved forward, signing Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe as backups, effectively shutting the door on Wentz. At first, the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints looked like potential landing spots, but neither materialized.
Cleveland committed to its future at quarterback by selecting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the draft, while New Orleans quickly filled the void left by Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement with young prospects Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, signaling a full rebuild.
For a time, Wentz was linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that possibility evaporated when Aaron Rodgers signed with the team. Even if the Rodgers deal had fallen through, Powell noted that Pittsburgh seemed more willing to bet on Mason Rudolph, who is now the backup, rather than taking a chance on Wentz.
Are there any options left for Wentz?
While Powell acknowledges Wentz has a powerful arm, he also pointed out the veteran quarterback’s tendency to make costly turnovers when operating outside the right system. Meanwhile, several teams that might need a quarterback are undergoing coaching changes, which could further complicate Wentz’s chances of landing a job.
Ultimately, if no opportunity emerges, Wentz may have to swallow his pride and accept a backup role behind an established starter or a promising rookie. His alternative? Watching the 2025 NFL season from his couch.
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