Chiefs Land Wentz: Carson Wentz Joins Chiefs, a Familiar Face Behind Mahomes
You can never have too many backup plans in the NFL, especially at a key position like quarterback.
For the Chiefs, they addressed their QB room in the offseason — behind superstar Patrick Mahomes, of course — just in case they ever need a spot starter if their three-time Super Bowl MVP misses time.
Here’s what to know about the Chiefs’ backup quarterback, his career stats and who else is on the team’s depth chart at the position.
Who is the Chiefs’ backup QB?
Slotted behind Mahomes at quarterback in 2024 is Carson Wentz, the former Eagle, Colt, Commander and Ram.
Now in his eighth season in the league, Wentz has extensive starting experience but has become a backup option in recent seasons after injuries and a decrease in productivity derailed his career.
However, he is only three seasons removed from a 27-touchdown, seven-interception year with Indianapolis. If he’s ever needed to step up in Kansas City, it’s not unfathomable that the same throwing talent is still there.
In Week 18 of 2023, he started for the Rams and notched 163 passing yards and two touchdowns in the air, plus 56 rushing yards and a touchdown with his legs. He was Los Angeles’ leading rusher against the 49ers, although many starters in the game were out.
Wentz, now 31, signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in April.
In the offseason, he told ESPN “it’s different” knowing he has virtually no chance of becoming a full-time starter under Mahomes, but it’s a role he’s accepted and is making the most of.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can, formulate a relationship with all these guys and just keep getting better on the field,” Wentz told ESPN. “You’ve got to always be ready to go when called upon, so it’s no different in that regard.”
The veteran finished third in MVP voting in 2017, and is now one of the bigger names among the NFL’s backup quarterbacks regardless of what he’s capable of in 2024.
