Multiple NFL teams interested in former No. 2 draft pick

Wentz might be trying to wait out a potential injury, with Fowler adding the former No. 2 overall pick may well hold off longer into the offseason before committing. Wentz, 30, is more accomplished than just about every backup quarterback on a roster. But three teams have jettisoned him over the past three years. One of the few franchises Wentz could conceivably serve as a starter upgrade — the Commanders — just cut him, moving on from the Eagles-constructed extension the one-time MVP candidate had played on since 2019.

The Commanders have continued to praise 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell and they signed Jacoby Brissett as competition at the position. One of the many other teams that passed on pursuing a franchise-tagged Lamar Jackson, the Atlanta Falcons, signed ex-Wentz teammate Taylor Heinicke to serve as Desmond Ridder‘s backup. While neither of these situations check off long-term boxes at the sport’s marquee position, Wentz does not appear a candidate to start again for a bit. A summer injury — something Jimmy Garoppolo unsuccessfully waited for during his time on the trade block last year — would likely need to happen in order for that avenue to open up.

The Las Vegas Raiders make sense as a potential Wentz suitor, given Garoppolo’s health history. The Silver and Black signed ex-Josh McDaniels charge Brian Hoyer, who is going into his age-38 season, and used a fifth-round pick on Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell. Should Garoppolo suffer another injury, though, the Raiders would be a logical spot for Wentz or Teddy Bridgewater. Unless the team plans on stashing O’Connell on its practice squad as a QB4, however, a healthy Garoppolo does not leave much room for either unemployed veteran.

The Arizona Cardinals are not expected to have Kyler Murray available to start the season. Colt McCoy‘s health, after a concussion ended his 2022 season, might determine whether the Cardinals — who drafted Houston’s Clayton Tune in Round 5 — pivot toward adding one of the few bridge-type quarterback options left available. Cards HC Jonathan Gannon was in his first weeks on the Eagles’ DC job when the NFC East team traded Wentz in 2021. Only fifth-round rookie Sean Clifford resides behind Jordan Love in Green Bay, while Wentz’s North Dakota State successor — Easton Stick (one career pass attempt) — is Justin Herbert‘s top Los Angeles Chargers backup (Chase Daniel is no longer with the Bolts).

After Wentz started 17 Colts games in 2021, Jim Irsay instructed his front office to unload the quarterback. While that ended up causing more problems for the Colts, Wentz could not stick as the Commanders’ starter last year. Heinicke kept the starting job despite Wentz recovering from his finger injury and while head coach Ron Rivera reinserted his initial 2022 starter late in the season, Howell ultimately finished out the campaign. Now, well-traveled veteran Wentz awaits a move to a fourth NFL employer.