Mahomes’ new #2 has one of the more complex roles in sports.
How can you aid someone who does not appear to need it? New Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz is about to find out.
Wentz has joined Kansas City as Patrick Mahomes’ backup quarterback. Wentz was once the Philadelphia Eagles’ second-round draft pick, but a string of injuries and lackluster performances have pushed the 31-year-old into his so-called “backup era” as an NFL quarterback. It may be a difficult role, especially when the #1 is as accomplished as Mahomes. However, in a new interview, Wentz stated that he will do everything he can to assist the Chiefs reach a historic three-peat.
Wentz is embracing the challenge
Wentz, who joined Kansas City on a one-year contract in April, told ESPN that he wants to help and support Mahomes “in any way (he) can,” on and off the field. In his brief NFL experience, Mahomes has established himself as an excellent leader and a terrific colleague; yet, the NFL season can be unpredictable, and the two signal-callers will need to rely on one another at some time.
“We’re only in here a handful of hours every day and a couple days a week and it’s not quite the grind that it will be,” Wentz told the media. “So that’ll continue to evolve and is how I find my spot, so to speak. But Pat and I already have a terrific relationship, and it will continue to improve as I find new ways to help.”
Carson Wentz: I'll find any way I can to help Patrick Mahomes. https://t.co/ksrCr2dxSQ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 8, 2024
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP, may have more to teach Wentz than the other way around. After all, Wentz is on a short-term contract, and you never know when another club might need a “bridge quarterback” to start a few games — or whether Kansas City would need someone to replace Mahomes in 2024 if he is injured.
Working with someone as talented as Mahomes may effectively resurrect Wentz’s career.
“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 the media. “You’ve got to always be ready to go when called upon.”
Odds to lead the NFL in Passing Yards
(Odds from FanDuel)• Patrick Mahomes: +650
• C.J. Stroud: +750
• Joe Burrow: +1000
• Tua Tagovailoa: +1000
• Dak Prescott: +1000
• Jared Goff: +1100
• Matthew Stafford: +1500
• Brock Purdy: +1700
• Jordan Love: +1800
• Trevor…— Connor Allen (@ConnorAllenNFL) July 8, 2024
