Carson Wentz has had one of the more unpredictable and fascinating NFL careers in recent memory, and he could be an intriguing option for the New Orleans Saints. Drafted second overall in 2016 out of North Dakota State, Wentz quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks. In 2017, he earned legitimate MVP consideration, finishing the season with a 60.2% completion rate, 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in just 13 games before an ACL injury cut his season short. While he didn’t play in the postseason, his stellar regular-season performance was a key reason the Eagles secured the top seed and ultimately won the Super Bowl.
After two steady campaigns in 2018 and 2019, Wentz’s career took a sharp downturn in 2020. Struggles with performance and injuries led to a string of team changes and backup roles. Most recently, Wentz spent the 2024 season as a reserve behind Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. His lone start came in a meaningless Week 18 game, where he completed 12 of 19 passes for 118 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 38-0 loss.
Now a free agent, Wentz could be a veteran depth option for a team like the Saints, who may be looking to stabilize their quarterback room with experience.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) acknowledges what most around the league now accept: the 2017 MVP-caliber Carson Wentz isn’t coming back. However, the current version still holds value as a veteran backup. While no longer a franchise centerpiece, Wentz brings experience, physical tools, and the ability to step in if needed—qualities that could prove useful as a QB2 behind a younger or unproven starter.
Given that context, the question becomes: Is there a better backup option still available in free agency?
The answer largely depends on what a team values most—experience, scheme fit, durability, or locker room presence. Here are a few of the top alternative veteran QBs still on the market (as of spring 2025):
- Joe Flacco – Coming off a late-career resurgence with the Browns in 2023, Flacco has proven he can still play in a pinch and brings Super Bowl-winning experience.
- Teddy Bridgewater – Known for his leadership and poise, but he may be considering retirement or coaching roles.
- Nick Foles – Another Super Bowl MVP, though his recent play has been inconsistent and he’s also nearing the end.
- Trevor Siemian – A journeyman backup who’s serviceable and knows how to manage games but lacks upside.
- Easton Stick – Younger and less proven, but may appeal to teams seeking a developmental QB3 type.
Wentz likely offers the most upside of this group in terms of arm talent and mobility, but he also carries more volatility. For a team like the Saints—possibly grooming a rookie or young starter—Wentz could be a smart insurance policy if they’re willing to manage the risk.
Other Fits
Derek Carr’s retirement has left the New Orleans Saints in a tough spot, with most of the top quarterback options already signed elsewhere. While Aaron Rodgers is the biggest name technically available, he’s an unrealistic fit—he’s 41, still expects to start, and the Saints aren’t in “win-now” mode where adding a future Hall of Famer makes strategic sense.
Beyond Rodgers and Carson Wentz, the remaining free-agent pool is thin. Options like Desmond Ridder, C.J. Beathard, and Jeff Driskel offer little upside and project as low-end backups at best. Teddy Bridgewater, who had a strong connection to New Orleans in the past, appears off the table as he’s leaning into a coaching future, particularly at the high school level.
Unless the Saints pursue a trade for someone like Jameis Winston—who’s familiar with the system—or take a flyer on a developmental arm like Chicago’s Tyson Bagent, Wentz may be their most logical option. He brings more starting experience and raw talent than anyone else on the open market, even if his ceiling is well below what it once was.
