Commanders Cut Carson Wentz: 3 Teams That Could Sign Free Agent QB
The Washington Commanders revealed perhaps the worst-kept secret of the offseason by announcing that quarterback Carson Wentz was being released after just one season.
It marks the second year in a row that Wentz has been moved on after just one season, and now his future in the NFL looks somewhat shaky. After signing from the Indianapolis Colts last offseason, the move was seen as a stop-gap by many; thus, it has proven to be.
Wentz was 2-5 as a starter in Washington and threw for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Now a free agent, will there be a team that will take a chance and sign him?
One big question that teams must answer is whether they see Wentz as a starter or backup. With that in mind, let's look at potential destinations for Wentz.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is an interesting one. With Kyle Trask currently favored to be the starter in Tampa, could the Buccaneers do with a veteran quarterback in Wentz?
Wentz could prove to be a viable option with the weapons needed to get the most out of him in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, and Leonard Fournette.
The main issue is that Tampa drafted Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and now enters a perfect time to "see what they have" at the quarterback position.
Wentz clearly isn't the answer in Tampa long-term but could prove to be a serviceable stop-gap player for Todd Bowles.
Atlanta Falcons: Is Marcus Mariota the answer in Atlanta? Going 5-8 as the starter last season, Mariota certainly has his detractors.
So...
Could the Falcons make a move for Wentz? Just a year older than Mariota, Wentz could be seen as an upgrade at the quarterback position, albeit slightly.
Not likely to be able to command a heft salary which could work in Atlanta's favor, but again as with Tampa Bay, Wentz would not be seen as the "long-term answer" for the Falcons.
Currently holding the eighth pick, Atlanta could easily draft a quarterback and keep Mariota, as Wentz's value as a starter appears to have nosedived, so a backup position could suit in Atlanta.
New Orleans Saints: A move to another NFC team could be on the cards for Wentz. With Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston unable to establish themselves as bonafide starters, there could be a small opening for Wentz.
Going 7-10 last season and only averaging 19.4 points per game, Wentz could be seen as a "safe" move for the Saints.
The Saints have a great running back in Alvin Kamara and a star in the making at receiver in Chris Olave, so there are pieces to put around Wentz.
Whether or not Dennis Allen sees Wentz as the way forward is unknown, but he could even be a backup if the Saints don't see him as a starter.
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