NEW ORLEANS — Carson Wentz’s previous and current are about to collide, nevertheless it’s the predictions for his future that is perhaps most tantalizing.
Wentz — the previous Eagles franchise quarterback who was upstaged by the 2018 Tremendous Bowl MVP Nick Foles whereas recovering from a torn ACL — might be on the alternative sideline Sunday as Chiefs backup quarterback in Tremendous Bowl 2025. It’s his final sport earlier than returning to free company.
“The journey is not how I envisioned it, how I wanted it, all those things,” Wentz stated, “but I’m still playing the game I love in a different role right now.”
Requested not too long ago by The Put up who could possibly be the following Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold — a former franchise quarterback who grew to become a journeyman backup, then discovered a profitable Act II as a starter — if there’s one, two league sources prompt Wentz.
You gained’t hear an argument from Patrick Mahomes, who described Wentz as a movie junkie who beats him into the crew facility early within the morning.
“He should definitely be a starter in this league,” Mahomes stated. “I saw that through OTAs. I watched him throw the football. I watched him move around, how athletic he is. I’m hoping he gets his opportunity to have a chance like some of the other guys around the league. I think he will go out there and maximize it.”
Wentz was 11-2 and an MVP candidate earlier than he tore his ACL in December 2017, opening the door for Foles to develop into a legend. The previous No. 2 decide within the 2016 draft spent three extra turbulent seasons in Philadelphia earlier than a tense divorce at the beginning of the Jalen Hurts Period.
Since then, Wentz has been on 4 groups in 4 seasons — final serving as a full-time starter for the 2021 Colts, when he put up massive numbers however was blamed for the crew’s late-season collapse.
“I’ve grown up as a man,” Wentz stated of his journey since Philadelphia. “I’ve learned my wife and family are resilient. We’ve embraced the adventure. I’ve learned where to place my value. More confident in who I am and in my ability to play.”
In accordance with the Darnold and Mayfield components, Wentz, 32, is coming off time spent round quarterback gurus. He was beneath the Rams’ Sean McVay in 2023 earlier than the Chiefs’ Andy Reid — becoming a member of each groups because the clear-cut backup quarterback.
Would he be enthusiastic about serving as an early-season caretaker starter and mentor for a rookie, as Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston and Jacoby Brissett appear to do yearly?
“I’m open to whatever … but I want to enjoy this week as best I can,” Wentz stated. “I’ve seen a lot. I’ve experienced a lot. I think I can help in a lot of different ways for a lot of different teams.”
Seems like a match for the Giants earlier than concentrating on Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward within the draft.
win over the Texans. David Smith/CSM/Shutterstock
“I’ve always been confident in my abilities,” Wentz stated. “I see what’s going on around the league. I see guys like Sam and Baker doing these things. Hats off to them. It doesn’t surprise me. Those guys came into the league super talented. In the right fit, they take off.”
Did his Eagles expertise make him in a position to deal with the stress of New York?
“It’s as big a market as there is,” Wentz stated. “Coming from North Dakota, [Philadelphia] was a big culture shock, but I embraced the blue-collar work ethic of the city. I am who I am. I’m going to compete my tail off.”
Wentz has appeared in simply 5 video games over the previous two seasons. He began Week 18 with out a lot of the Chiefs offensive starters in a shutout loss.
“For two years, I’ve hardly been hit, so I feel healthy,” Wentz stated. “I am in my 30s now, but I feel fresh. A nice little bonus.”
Wentz claims he gave solely a quick thought after the AFC Championship sport to the surreal nature of being one unhealthy break for Mahomes away from taking part in towards the Eagles with a Tremendous Bowl on the road.
“It might be weird for about a half-second,” Wentz stated. “My mind can wander just as much as yours, but I try to stay ready and not play scenarios. It’s hard to get here. Last time I was here, I had a pain in my knee.”
