Mar 31, 2025; Palm Beach, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs opted for a new look behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes this offseason, signing veteran backup Gardner Minshew. The veteran is coming off a frustrating season with the Las Vegas Raiders as a part-time starter. It is the role Minshew thrives in as an elite backup who just can’t quite take advantage of starting opportunities. Opting to move away from quarterback Carson Wentz has left the veteran in free agency for an alarming amount of time.

Wentz is the only bridge quarterback or pinch starter left on the market. Considering the league’s ability to carry three quarterbacks on the gameday roster, lesser options have already been handed roles this offseason. Perhaps Wentz is content to sit in free agency, waiting for an injury or quarterback issue to arise. The former Chief is just on the fringes of being a viable starting option. A team that deals with any summer or preseason injuries would be wise to bring the veteran in.

Former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Carson Wentz Remaining on the Market is Puzzling

There was a time when Wentz was considered among the league’s elite quarterbacks. It seemed whatever magic the former Eagle found was nowhere to be found after Nick Foles’ improbable Super Bowl run. After failing to reach the same heights as his backup, Wentz had failed tenures as a starter in Indy and Washington.

Leading the quarterback to take a step back and land backup roles for the last few seasons. Kansas City took advantage of this and brought Wentz in for the 2024 season. Now the quarterback’s hopes of resuming his career as a starter seem to be at an impasse.

It is the only reasonable explanation for why the quarterback is on the market. Perhaps Pittsburgh or New Orleans could consider the veteran as a possible option, however, this is assuming Aaron Rodgers retires and the respective teams have no other options. It is hard to see any other scenario where Wentz is able to win a starting role.

The most likely path is Wentz being forced to settle for another high end backup job hoping for a surprise chance to breathe life back into his career.