Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz is on deck to start Week 18 versus the Denver Broncos, in place of the resting Patrick Mahomes, and the former is facing a tremendous opportunity. Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, has made no secret about looking to notch a potentially devastating win over the Broncos.
Doing so would only help his cause before he heads to free agency after the season.
Carson Wentz Gets Good News Before Week 18 Start for Chiefs
Chiefs QB Carson Wentz Could Be Next Sam Darnold
“A name I’ve heard a few places in the NFL is that Carson Wentz is most likely to be next year’s Sam Darnold (if there is one, no guarantee). Ex-starter who had some success, coming off time with Sean McVay and Andy Reid,” New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy posted on X on January 2. “Now he’s going to play this Sunday for #Chiefs…”
Wentz, 32, signed a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Chief in free agency. He is five years older than Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 and, like Wentz, made several stops between the New York Jets, who drafted him, and the Vikings who can be the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Projections have called for Darnold to see a contract starting at over $100 million.
Broncos Were in Contact With Carson Wentz During Free Agency
Notably, Wentz drew interest from the Broncos. Denver head coach Sean Payton spoke about keeping in touch with the former Philadelphia Eagle, where Payton was once a position coach long before Wentz donned the jersey.
“Listen, he’s in this league for a reason,” Payton told reporters on January 1. “He’s big, strong. He was a first-round draft pick. We spoke during the offseason a little bit with him and his agents. And so, shoot, it’s the player. But it’s also everything around it and understanding what they’re trying to do.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has touted Wentz’s ability to be a starting QB in the NFL.
“He’s started in the league and been successful,” Reid told reporters in December. “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, so he’s a heck of a player.”
Carson Wentz Eager to Operate in Andy Reid Offense
His last start came in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers of the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams.
Wentz’s last start before that was in Week 17 of the 2022 season.
Wentz has completed 62.7% of his passes for 22,312 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions in his career. He said he is eager to showcase his skillset in the Chiefs’ offense, noting Reid’s prowess as a play-caller.
“I’m still the same guy. I’ve still played,” Wentz told reporters on January 1. “But every offense does have its own nuances and kind of play styles. And some move the pocket more, and some do this more. And so I’ve been in a couple different ones now, and so I’m excited to have Coach Reid calling it for me and kind of seeing what that’s all about.”
