Report: Wentz Open to ‘Various’ Roles After Commanders’ Release

The former No. 2 pick is looking to keep his NFL career alive after getting released by the Commanders.

Carson Wentz and the Commanders went their separate ways this offseason, leaving some uncertainty surrounding the veteran quarterback's future in the NFL. With a starting job unlikely in 2023, there had been some speculation as to whether Wentz would be open to playing as a backup next season. 

According to Ian Rapoport, the 30-year-old is present in Indianapolis with the NFL combine in town. Wentz is reportedly open to “various roles that can help a team” and is determined to continue his career in the league after struggling to meet expectations over the past two seasons with the Colts and Commanders. 

Washington took a chance on Wentz in 2022, sending some draft capital to Indianapolis in order to bring in the ex-Eagles Pro Bowler and former No. 2 pick. The experiment didn’t work out, as Wentz ultimately got injured and lost out on the starting job.

In total, he featured in eight games for the Commanders, starting seven. He threw 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and Washington was 2–5 in games he started.

Wentz had started all 17 games for the Colts in 2021, throwing 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but faced criticism after the team stunningly missed the playoffs due to a late-season collapse.

While it’s clear that a starting job remains a long shot for Wentz, Rapoport indicated the seven-year veteran could potentially be willing to serve as a backup quarterback in order to keep his NFL career going.