Source: Chiefs agree to one-year contract with quarterback Carson Wentz.
A source verified to ESPN that free agent quarterback Carson Wentz has agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wentz will become Patrick Mahomes’ new veteran backup quarterback, reportedly replacing Blaine Gabbert, who held the job last season. Gabbert is now unrestricted free agent.
After going unsigned for the first half of the season, Wentz signed with the Los Angeles Rams as their backup quarterback in Week 10. He spent the 2022 season with the Washington Commanders before being released in February 2023 with two years remaining on his contract.
Wentz, 31, started the Rams’ regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers while quarterback Matthew Stafford rested. He completed 17 of 24 throws for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also led both teams in rushing yards (56 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries).
Wentz was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles with the second overall pick in 2016 and spent six seasons there. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts following the 2020 season, after losing his starting spot to Jalen Hurts. Wentz tossed 27 touchdown passes and tied a career low of seven interceptions with the Colts, but his future with the team was called into question after he struggled in the team’s final two games, when it needed to win only one to make the playoffs.
Following the 2021 season, Washington traded for Wentz, sending two third-round picks to the Colts and exchanging second-round picks. He appeared in eight games for the Commanders, throwing 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He was benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke after missing time due to a broken finger.