Carson Wentz is at a different place in his career these days. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft bounced around three different teams, losing starting jobs in each place before signing with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup late in the 2023 season.
Last offseason, Wentz signed with the Kansas City Chiefs to serve as Patrick Mahomes’ backup. Being Mahomes’ backup and playing for Andy Reid is one of the best jobs in sports.
At Super Bowl LIX, JP Finlay of NBC Washington caught up with Wentz, who is grateful for his current opportunity.
“I’ve learned a lot, I’ve grown a lot, I’ve seen a lot, whatever that’s worth, I don’t know…..but I’m grateful to be here in this moment, with these guys,” Wentz said.
One of those three teams Wentz bounced around with was Washington. Things didn’t go well for Wentz or the team that season.
“That was a weird year,” Wentz said of his 2023 season with the Commanders. “Playing six games, got hurt and came back for one more and didn’t deliver when I needed to, and so it all went fast on that front, but we had a great time, enjoyed our time there, a lot of good friendships and out there.”
Wentz was speaking of his return to the starting lineup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, where he struggled badly, turning the ball over three times in the first half. The Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention. After the game, this is where then-coach Ron Rivera famously admitted he didn’t know Washington could be eliminated with a loss.
Wentz is in a good place now, and so are the Commanders. He was happy for Washington’s success, specifically tight end Zach Ertz — his good friend from their time in Philadelphia — and Terry McLaurin.
FROM WENTZ HE CAME: @JPFinlayNBCS catches up with Chiefs backup QB / former Washington QB Carson Wentz at Super Bowl Opening Night
Wentz talks about his “weird year” in DC, journey with Andy Reid & KC, and the #Commanders success this season (“Jayden’s a stud”)#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/D8D2QNWpSn
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) February 4, 2025
“I was pumped for them, especially Zach Ertz, another guy, just seeing his success, I still talk to him a lot,” Wentz said. “Terry McLaurin, I still stay in touch with those guys. Obviously, it looks different over there with a new coaching staff, all the new things over there. But I was excited to see them have success, for sure.”
And Wentz weighed in on Washington’s new quarterback.
“And Jayden (Daniels is a stud,” he said. “It’s clear as day; they got a good one out there.”