Carson Wentz is looking for his next NFL opportunity after spending the 2023 season backing up Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Eagles starter hopes his time learning behind the league’s top quarterback will help land him another starting role.
The Chiefs are already preparing for Wentz’s likely departure. On Monday, they signed Chris Oladokun to a reserves/futures contract — a move that could position him to compete for the backup job in 2024. Oladokun earned praise from head coach Andy Reid for his work on the scout team, particularly in helping Kansas City prepare for Lamar Jackson before their AFC Championship matchup with Baltimore.
Wentz made just one start for the Chiefs in Week 18 against Denver, when Kansas City rested their starters for the playoffs. But that limited playing time, combined with his experience in Reid’s system, might be enough to convince other teams he deserves another shot.
Reid himself advocated for his backup quarterback before that Broncos game.
“He’s started in the league and been successful,” Reid said. “He’s got a great feel for this offense. Very smart. Big arm. I like the way he carries himself. I like everything about him. He should be starting in this league somewhere. He’s a heck of a player.”
The 32-year-old Wentz gained valuable perspective watching Mahomes up close this season.
“He battles through a lot out there,” Wentz said of the Chiefs’ star QB. “I’ve lived it. I’ve experienced it, and now I’m seeing it firsthand with him. He’s in there every day doing everything he can to take care of his body… A lot of respect for how he competes.”
While Wentz hasn’t officially said goodbye to Kansas City after their Super Bowl LVIII loss to San Francisco, his recent social media post suggested he’s ready for the next chapter. His situation mirrors that of Mitch Trubisky, who parlayed his backup role in Buffalo into a starting opportunity with Pittsburgh in 2022.
The Chiefs’ signing of Oladokun signals they’re preparing for life after Wentz. Now it’s up to other NFL teams to determine if the former Pro Bowler has one more starting opportunity in his future.