NEW ORLEANS — Carson Wentz’s previous and current are about to collide, but it surely’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 — shall be on the alternative sideline Sunday as Chiefs backup quarterback in Tremendous Bowl 2025. It’s his final recreation earlier than returning to free company.
“The journey just isn’t how I envisioned it, how I needed it, all these issues,” Wentz stated, “however I’m nonetheless enjoying the sport I like in a distinct position proper now.”
Requested not too long ago by The Publish who may very well be the subsequent 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 may be one, two league sources steered Wentz.
You gained’t hear an argument from Patrick Mahomes, who described Wentz as a movie junkie who beats him into the staff facility early within the morning.
“He ought to undoubtedly be a starter on this league,” Mahomes stated. “I noticed that by way of OTAs. I watched him throw the soccer. I watched him transfer round, how athletic he’s. I’m hoping he will get his alternative to have an opportunity like a few of the different guys across the league. I believe he’ll go on the market 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 turn out to be a legend. The previous No. 2 choose within the 2016 draft spent three extra turbulent seasons in Philadelphia earlier than a tense divorce initially 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 large numbers however was blamed for the staff’s late-season collapse.
“I’ve grown up as a person,” Wentz stated of his journey since Philadelphia. “I’ve discovered my spouse and household are resilient. We’ve embraced the journey. I’ve discovered the place to put my worth. Extra assured in who I’m and in my skill to play.”
In accordance with the Darnold and Mayfield formulation, Wentz, 32, is coming off time spent round quarterback gurus. He was underneath 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 keen on 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 no matter … however I need to get pleasure from this week as finest I can,” Wentz stated. “I’ve seen loads. I’ve skilled loads. I believe I will help in a number of alternative ways for lots of various groups.”
Seems like a match for the Giants earlier than focusing on Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward within the draft.
win over the Texans. David Smith/CSM/Shutterstock
“I’ve at all times been assured in my skills,” Wentz stated. “I see what’s happening across the league. I see guys like Sam and Baker doing this stuff. Hats off to them. It doesn’t shock me. These guys got here into the league tremendous gifted. In the suitable match, they take off.”
Did his Eagles expertise make him capable of deal with the strain of New York?
“It’s as large a market as there may be,” Wentz stated. “Coming from North Dakota, [Philadelphia] was a giant tradition shock, however I embraced the blue-collar work ethic of town. I’m who I’m. 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 2 years, I’ve hardly been hit, so I really feel wholesome,” Wentz stated. “I’m in my 30s now, however I really feel contemporary. A pleasant little bonus.”
Wentz claims he gave solely a quick thought after the AFC Championship recreation to the surreal nature of being one dangerous break for Mahomes away from enjoying in opposition to the Eagles with a Tremendous Bowl on the road.
“It is perhaps bizarre for a few half-second,” Wentz stated. “My thoughts can wander simply as a lot as yours, however I attempt to keep prepared and never play eventualities. It’s laborious to get right here. Final time I used to be right here, I had a ache in my knee.”