By Jordan Long
The Washington Commanders have cut quarterback Carson Wentz. This will save Washington $26.17 million in salary cap space for next year. Wentz is now going to be a free agent. Places where he could land include Carolina, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Buffalo, and Arizona among other NFL cities.
Carolina and Tampa Bay make the most sense if Wentz wants to be a starter. The Panthers only have one quarterback on the roster, Matt Corral. Corral was selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft but didn’t play a single snap this past season. The Panthers know they need to add depth.
The Panthers need a veteran quarterback to lead this football team. This is where Wentz comes into play. Wentz is a 7-year veteran in the NFL. His starting record is 46-45-1 giving him the edge over Corral. Most likely Wentz would become the starter, at least to begin the year. It is possible if he struggles then Corral would overtake him for the job. The Panthers seem like the perfect place for him to succeed.
Tampa Bay should be high on signing Wentz. They are also in the market for a quarterback. Tom Brady, who was their starter, retired. Wentz again may be the #1 quarterback on the depth chart. The only other quarterback on the roster is Kyle Trask who has only thrown 3 passes in the NFL. Wentz makes that quarterback room better and should be the starter.
Kansas City, Buffalo, and Arizona are places where Wentz wouldn’t be a starter but the backup. Kansas City is the defending Super Bowl Champions. Their starter is Patrick Mahomes. After that, Kansas City doesn’t have depth behind him. Their backup last year, Chad Henne, decided to retire after their Super Bowl victory. Wentz just ensures they have a veteran quarterback behind Mahomes in case Mahomes ever gets hurt.
Arizona also could use a backup quarterback. Their current one to Kyler Murray is Colt McCoy. McCoy is aging. He is 36 years old and will be 37 once the season kicks off. That is getting up there in age. Plus, McCoy is only under contract for this year. Wentz may be the backup for years to come. There is no guarantee Kyler Murray will stay healthy for a full season. Wentz might see playing time assuming he beats out McCoy for the backup role.
Buffalo is another place where Wentz might make sense. They have their franchise quarterback in Josh Allen. After that, there is only one other quarterback on the roster, Matt Barkley. Barkley has been the backup for Allen for the past 3 years. Adding Wentz doesn’t mean he will make the team. Barkley and Wentz would compete in training camp and preseason games. In the end, Barkley could win the job since he knows the playbook.
Teams are going to call Wentz since he is a veteran in the NFL. He needs to make the most of the situation even if it is as a backup quarterback. Of course, he wants to be a starter but that may not happen. Wentz will look at his options during free agency and pick the best landing spot.
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