One Carson Wentz stat justifies Chiefs decision to sign ex-Eagles QB as Patrick Mahomes backup

Carson Wentz, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, rose swiftly as the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback. He even swiftly earned the starting role in his rookie season. The signal-caller enjoyed a promising start, but his misfortune started with a torn ACL in 2017.

Wentz struggled to reclaim his prior prowess on the field. The quarterback underwent team changes, and bounced from one team to another. Now, the former Philadelphia Eagles protagonist from 2019 is set to reignite his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs sign Carson Wentz on 1-year contract

The Chiefs have made a strategic move by signing Carson Wentz to a one-year deal, as confirmed by a source to ESPN. This move marks his latest stop in a journey that has seen him with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders, albeit for just one season each.

The signal-caller found himself with the Los Angeles Rams last season, serving as their backup of Matthew Stafford until Week 10. He made a notable start in the regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran proved his versatility by throwing for two touchdowns, rushing for another, and leading both teams in rushing yards. His contract with the Rams amounted to a modest $1.16 million, despite his late-season contributions.

With eight NFL seasons under his belt, the quarterback brings experience and a solid track record to the Chiefs. He has maintained a completion rate of 62.7%, accumulating over 22,000 passing yards, 67 interceptions, and 153 touchdowns throughout his career.

Patrick Mahomes is firmly in the position of starting quarterback, so Carson Wentz won’t be competing for it. Instead, he joins a team with a history of winning championships and a coaching staff that includes Andy Reid and Matt Nagy, the offensive coordinator. His arrival in Kansas City offers the Chiefs depth at the quarterback position, bolstering their roster as they aim for a three peat next season.

Looking back at Carson Wentz crazy 2019 season

Carson Wentz signed to a lucrative contract extension by the Eagles in 2019, and entered the season with high expectations. He faced numerous challenges, including a depleted receiving corps. However, he rose to the occasion and delivered a season that showcased his immense talent.

One of the standout aspects of the QB’s 2019 campaign was his ability to surpass the 4,000-yard passing mark. The fact that none of his receivers managed to accumulate more than 500 receiving yards made it an even more impressive feat. This unique achievement solidified his reputation as a signal-caller capable of elevating the performance of those around him.

Even with Alshon Jeffery leading the team in receiving yards with a modest 490, he consistently found ways to move the ball downfield and keep the Eagles competitive.

However, the season was not without its setbacks. In the NFC Wild Card Round against the Seattle Seahawks, Carson Wentz’s playoff debut was cut short due to a head injury sustained from a helmet-to-helmet hit. His absence was keenly felt as the Eagles ultimately fell short, losing 17–9. Nevertheless, the legacy of his crazy 2019 season endures as proof of his talent that the Chiefs will expect to see when needed.