Carson Wentz Signs One-Year Deal with Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes’ Backup

The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz to be the team’s backup to Patrick Mahomes during the 2024 season. The 31-year-old quarterback, who was last playing for the Los Angeles Rams, is going to sign a one-year deal with the Chiefs, according to NFL Media.

Carson Wentz’s wandering odyssey

Wentz in the NFL continued with his wearing multiple jerseys, this time landing with the Chiefs as his fourth team in just as many years. His recent stint with the Rams under head coach Sean McVay is brief, but, notably, he played a big part in guiding the team to a week 18 victory that secured their playoff berth last season. The move to Kansas City will place Wentz as the leading candidate to provide experienced support should the Chiefs part ways with Blaine Gabbert, who is entering free agency.

Having started 93 career games, Wentz brings a wealth of experience to the Chiefs’ quarterback room. He began his NFL career with the Eagles in 2016, where he was in just his second year before an ACL tear ended his season as an MVP contender.

He has since played for Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders before the Los Angeles Rams signed him in November 2023. He’s not nearly as consistent or accomplished as Mahomes, but Wentz has made a career with a big arm and a penchant for making plays outside the pocket—not unlike the creative, razzle-dazzle ethos instilled in the Chiefs under coach Andy Reid.

It’s also a reunion of sorts

Carson Wentz will now be coached by his most successful head coach in Eagles history, despite Reid leaving Philadelphia years before Wentz was drafted. The Chiefs have a predilection toward an experienced quarterback at number two, and that was exactly the place for which Chad Henne was originally signed. That leaves the Wentz signing to, in part, fortify yet another move by the team to secure depth and stability at the quarterback position, in consideration of another possible run at the Super Bowl come the 2024 season.