Notable former Chiefs backup still without a job deserves a training camp invite

Carson Wentz's stock isn't exactly at its zenith these days. The former Kansas City Chiefs backup is likely done with his days of being a starting option for teams around the National Football League, but given the precarious nature of the position, it does feel odd that Wentz is still waiting for a dance partner.

Somehow Wentz is still available on the open market despite a history of at least decent production. He's also relatively young and would provide a higher floor than others who are gainfully employed in the NFL.

Does it not feel silly that the Chicago Bears are relying on Tyson Bagent if something happens to Caleb Williams? How about Kyle Trask as the fallback option in Tampa Bay if something happens to Baker Mayfield? Surely Wentz is a better option than Nick Mullens in Jacksonville.

Carson Wentz shouldn't be without a home for too much longer.

It wasn't that long ago that Wentz was enjoying solid production at the quarterback position, with 27 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. An injury-plagued year in Washington didn't go all that well in '22, even when healthy.

Of course, his intermittent showings since that season have been unreliable—a great final game with the L.A. Rams in 2023 and a miserable showing against the Denver Broncos in his final game in K.C. (surrounded by backups).

The Chiefs were one-and-done themselves with Wentz, so perhaps that says something that they moved on Gardner Minshew this offseason. But the Chiefs have been rotating one-year backups for a bit now, and it feels premature to say Wentz is finished.

Earlier this offseason, Wentz was linked with the Steelers as an option in case Aaron Rodgers wasn't going to sign. Rodgers decided to give it a go in the Steel City, however, and Wentz was left on the outside looking in. However, given reports that the Cleveland Browns were also interested earlier this spring, it feels too early to say Wentz is finished.

Perhaps Wentz is biding his time before training camp, waiting for a team to panic when looking at their backups or for an injury to create a void. It might take a bit of time, but we're pretty sure Wentz will find a home with a new team for 2025 without much of an issue. Anything else feels wrong.