Best landing spots for free-agent QB Carson Wentz

For the third consecutive offseason, free-agent quarterback Carson Wentz is in search of a fresh start — and possibly even a starting gig, should such an opportunity arise. 

On Monday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the former No. 2 overall pick has been training in Los Angeles. Wentz has garnered interest from teams but might "wait longer into [the] offseason to see what develops," per Fowler, who also added that the 30-year-old QB is "open to any role (starter or backup)."

After fizzling out in Indianapolis and Washington in back-to-back seasons, the chances of another team handing Wentz the reins seem like a farce. Still, a handful of clubs could benefit from taking a flier on the former Pro Bowler. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Doug Pederson and the Jaguars are in no need of a franchise QB. They have that covered with Trevor Lawrence. Beyond Lawrence, however, Jacksonville is thin at QB. Five-year veteran C.J. Beathard has completed just nine passes over the past two seasons and former CFL star Nathan Rourke has no NFL game experience. 

From 2017-2021 with Pederson as his head coach with the Eagles, Wentz enjoyed the most prolific stretch of his professional career, including an MVP candidacy during a 2019 season in which he tossed an Eagles franchise record 33 TD passes. In fact, Wentz has thrown 21+ touchdowns in four of his seven professional seasons. All but one of those showings came under the tutelage of Pederson. 

Arizona Cardinals

Although questions about Kyler Murray's long-term grip on the Cardinals quarterback gig remain a trending topic, the team has remained committed to the former Heisman winner for 2023. Murray is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in December and remains a "long way away," according to new head coach Jonathan Gannon. 

If Murray misses the beginning of the season, the reliable but mostly underwhelming Colt McCoy will start. 

Like Wentz, Gannon -- the former Eagles defensive coordinator -- also has Philadelphia roots. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy a nostalgic rebirth of the Wentz-Zach Ertz connection that combined for 24 touchdowns in 58 games during their Eagles run together? 

Chicago Bears 

Justin Fields is as electric as they come. He also remains mostly unproven as a passer entering his third NFL season and has just five victories under his belt as a starter. 

Chicago added to its offensive weaponry this offseason, namely with the addition of three-time 1,000-yard receiver D.J. Moore. If Fields (a 59.7% career passer) continues to deliver uneven performances, Wentz would instill more faith than the Bears' other options on the roster (P.J. Walker, Nathan Peterman and undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent).

Bolstering the depth behind Fields feels like a must for a team whose QB toted the rock 160 times in 2022.