Rams are signing quarterback Carson Wentz: what will be his role in Los Angeles replacing Stafford?

According to multiple reports, former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has landed with the Los Angeles Rams after spending the offseason auditioning on social media for his next job. Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, will reportedly serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup. Stafford recently suffered a thumb injury, but he is expected to return after the team’s Week 10 bye.

On Tuesday, the Rams signed Wentz to join their quarterback room, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wentz had remained unsigned for most of 2023 after being released by the Commanders in March. However, he will now get a chance to fight for playing time in the second half of the season.

The Rams had to make a critical decision when they traded up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft: Would they select Jared Goff or Carson Wentz? They ultimately chose Goff as their franchise quarterback. Now, seven years later, Wentz will get to prove himself with the team.

Wentz, who is 30 years old, spent last season with the Washington Commanders. He went 2-4 before injuring his finger and being replaced by Taylor Heinicke. Wentz made one more start in the penultimate game of the season, losing to the Browns and seeing his team eliminated from playoff contention before being benched for Washington’s finale. In seven starts, Wentz threw for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while averaging 219 passing yards.

Carson Wentz spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including their Super Bowl win 2017. Injuries plagued his career, including a torn ACL and a concussion. The Eagles replaced him with Jalen Hurts in 2020, leading to his trade to the Indianapolis Colts. After a decent first season with the Colts, he was traded to the Eagles’ former offensive coordinator’s team and replaced by Hurts in Philadelphia.

What will be his role with the Rams?

Carson Wentz has not played in the NFL this season after starting seven games last year for the Washington Commanders. He was Philadelphia’s starter for five years and played all 17 games for Indianapolis in 2021.

The Rams, with a record of 3-6, need another quarterback behind Matthew Stafford, who missed Los Angeles’ last game due to a sprained thumb ligament. The Rams have lost their previous three games and have a record of 8-18 since winning the Super Bowl.

Brett Rypien was the only other quarterback on the Rams’ roster before Stafford’s injury. In the Game against Green Bay last weekend, Rypien struggled with a 13-of-28 performance, two fumbles, and an interception in the Rams’ 20-3 loss. As a result, the Rams waived Rypien on Tuesday, which was a necessary move if the team intended to put him back on its practice squad.

Wentz’s role will be to play substitute for Matt Stafford while he recovers from that thumb injury. Sean McVay confirmed the Super Bowl winner from 2021 will be ready for Week 11.