Why Panthers Are Best Fit for Carson Wentz amid Latest Free-Agency Rumors

Even after a disappointing 2022 season with the Washington Commanders, Carson Wentz isn't ready to end his NFL journey quite yet. The quarterback is hoping to find yet another new team in free agency.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 30-year-old is "determined to continue playing" and is "open to various roles that can help a team."

That last part is the key. Wentz has shown that he likely shouldn't be a starting NFL QB. At least not at the start of 2023, considering how things went in Washington.

In eight games (seven starts) last season, he threw for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Commanders went 2-5 in games he started, including a crucial Week 17 loss against the Cleveland Browns in which he threw three picks and subsequently led to Washington being eliminated from playoff contention.

Wentz could be a serviceable backup, though, especially if he's playing in an offensive system in which he'd feel comfortable.

So, why not connect with Frank Reich one more time?

Wentz played under the 61-year-old when he was the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-17, and again in 2021, when he was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Many of the quarterback's best moments in the NFL came when Reich was on his sideline.

Now, Reich is the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, a position he landed in January. It's a team with only two QBs under contract for the upcoming season: Matt Corral and Jacob Eason.

Carolina will likely take a top signal-caller in the 2023 NFL draft, considering it made a trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 overall pick. The Panthers will have their choice of the best in the class.

Whomever Carolina selects should likely be the immediate Day 1 starter. The short-term fixes the Panthers have tried at quarterback haven't worked of late, such as Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

But should they really go into the new season with a QB room consisting of a rookie, Corral and Eason? It'd likely be beneficial to have a veteran who is familiar with Reich's system.

That's why it makes perfect sense for the Panthers to try to sign Wentz, a seven-year NFL veteran. However, there are two conditions.

Wentz has to know he's coming in to be the backup, and Carolina must pay him as such. It wouldn't be wise to trot him out as the Week 1 starter, nor would it be to give him a contract similar to that of a starting-caliber QB.

If he is open to that, then the Panthers should make it happen. And he should be willing, as it seems highly unlikely to be a long list of suitors hoping to make him their starting quarterback for 2023.

Maybe Wentz can help the rookie pick up Reich's offense faster. If an injury occurs, then he can step in and try to keep Carolina afloat.

It's something the Panthers and Wentz should both at least consider. And it makes a lot more sense than the other QB-needy teams in the NFL bringing him in this offseason.