The Los Angeles Rams have gone digging through the crates and come up with a new quarterback. According to multiple sources, the Rams have signed free agent QB Carson Wentz. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2016 last suited up for Washington and was left on the sideline during the offseason.
Wentz started seven games for the Commanders last year, winning just two, and throwing for 1,755 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The prior season in Indianapolis was much better, but when the team failed to make the postseason, losing their last two games, owner Jim Irsay had seen enough of Wentz and sent him packing.
Looking back at the 2016 draft, Wentz was seen as a franchise QB who would be one of the best in the NFL one day. Well, that day never came and Wentz is now viewed as a washout. Some might call him a bust, but he has had a couple of good seasons where it looked like he would turn the corner.
One of the most significant factors with Wentz on each team he’s played for in the NFL, is the lack of leadership and overall attitude. There’s just something about Wentz that has turned most people off about him at all three stops. With the Colts, it could’ve been more about Irsay’s impatience, but either way, it didn’t work out, and Wentz was done after one campaign.
So, for the Rams to pick up Wentz, it must be bad. Although Matt Stafford is hurt, he might return for LA’s Week 11 tilt with Seattle, according to reports. Stafford missed Sunday’s loss to Green Bay with a thumb injury. Brett Rypien filled in and the offense put up a field goal. Having a veteran, former starter and Pro Bowler like Wentz on the roster gives the coaching staff more confidence if Stafford misses any more games.
This is Wentz’s third, second chance to stay in the good graces of the league. Since the Rams are on a bye in Week 10, this will give Wentz the chance to get caught up on the playbook in case Stafford can’t go the following week. Wentz might not give this organization the best chance, but experience should count for something. And any time Wentz gets on the field with the Rams should be considered a showcase for the rest of the NFL.
Baker Mayfield was able to parlay his fill-in duty with the Rams last season into a starting job in Tampa Bay. Mayfield had one good game with the Rams in four starts and everyone lost their minds like he was the second coming of something great. That’s how Wentz should approach this opportunity if he wants another shot at starting in this league next season.