New Carson Wentz Rumors Reveal 1 Team Interested in QB Before Reported Vikings Contract

Prior to the Minnesota Vikings getting a deal done to bring back Carson Wentz, the veteran quarterback was on the radar for another club.

Per The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, the New York Jets "at one point" had interest in signing Wentz.

The Vikings announced on Thursday they signed Wentz to join a quarterback room that already includes Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Rosenblatt's use of "at one point" is notable because it would seem like the Jets got some heads up along the way that Wentz would not be coming to New York.

The Jets agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for Geno Smith on March 10. New York also received a 2026 seventh-round draft pick in the trade, while sending a sixth-round selection in this year's draft back to Las Vegas.

In the lead up to free agency, Connor Hughes of SNY reported that Wentz was the "preferred option" at quarterback for Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Smith and Jacoby Brissett were also mentioned, with Hughes noting that the belief among agents coming out of the NFL scouting combine is the Jets hope to add two veteran quarterbacks this offseason.

The trade for Smith is the only quarterback addition the Jets have made thus far. They still have Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe under contract.

Reich's interest in Wentz made sense because of their previously-established relationship. Reich was the offensive coordinator for Wentz's first two seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to '17.

During Reich's tenure as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Wentz was the starting quarterback in 2021. He threw for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 games.

Wentz's decision to remain with the Vikings allows him to maintain consistency with Minnesota's training and medical staff that has been working with him after he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in October.

It also marks the first time since the end of his Eagles' tenure that Wentz is playing with the same team in consecutive seasons. He spent time with the Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Vikings in August 2025.