Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz remains one of the biggest names available on the NFL free agent market, more than a month after his release from the Washington Commanders.
It’s only a matter of time until the No. 2 selection of the 2016 NFL Draft finds a new team, though he’ll likely have to take on a backup role. Wentz’s lone season in Washington was a disappointment, as he lost five of seven starts (missing time with a finger injury) and had 11 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
But with the Baltimore Ravens facing tremendous uncertainty at quarterback, could they be a player for Wentz? ESPN’s Jamison Hensley floated the idea of Baltimore taking a chance on the 30-year-old QB:
“With Lamar Jackson’s future uncertain, the Baltimore Ravens have to prepare for the possibility of needing to find a starting quarterback in 2023, whether it’s signing Teddy Bridgewater or Carson Wentz — or acquiring someone after the draft.
Jackson, who has requested a trade, could decide to protest the nonexclusive franchise tag and not play for the $32.416 million tender…
Bridgewater is the best remaining option from a lackluster free agent class. There are five quarterbacks available who have a career winning record (minimum 20 starts): Bridgewater (33-32), Wentz (46-45-1), Matt Ryan (124-109-1), Joe Flacco (99-81) and Cam Newton (75-68-1).”
Lamar Jackson revealed last week in a Twitter thread that he requested a trade from the Ravens back on Mar. 2. The organization placed the franchise tag on him several days after the request, preventing the 2019 league MVP from entering the free agent market.
Wentz is unlikely to be a full-time starting quarterback again, but his experience makes him a quality backup option. His tenures with the Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts all ended on disappointing notes, but 92 career starts is nothing to scoff at.
The Ravens seem intent on finding a way to resolve the contract dilemma with Jackson. But as Hensley suggested, the team should definitely look at adding a veteran in free agency.
