NEW ORLEANS — It’s not hard to get the idea Kellen Moore’s approach to filling the void left by Derek Carr’s retirement is going with numbers.
A lack of belief in any of the multitude of names flying around is probably the real reason. Nobody can say that on the record, of course, but it is the only logical conclusion.
Now reports have them looking at free agent Carson Wentz, who has bounced around from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Kansas City Chiefs. That has sparked speculation about the potential addition of a veteran leader.
Following Carr’s retirement, the Saints are left with a trio of inexperienced signal-callers in 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough, 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler, 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener, and undrafted rookie Hunter Dekkers.
While Shough is currently viewed as the frontrunner, the competition remains wide open and unpredictable. Moore has said he wanted it that way.
Given the lack of experience among the Saints’ quarterbacks, analysts and insiders have linked the team to Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick with nine years of NFL experience.
“Former Chiefs QB Carson Wentz could be an option for Saints after Derek Carr’s retirement,” FanSided’s Jovan Alford recently speculated.
Wentz has nine years of experience and was just the backup behind Patrick Mahomes this past season. Wentz didn’t play much in Kansas City, except for the regular season finale.
Wentz’s career began with promise in Philadelphia, where he was considered an MVP candidate in 2017 before an ACL injury derailed his season.
Since then, he’s played for the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs, often in backup roles.
Despite his turbulent journey, Wentz’s experience is viewed as a potential asset for a Saints team searching for stability and mentorship in the quarterback room.
“A name like Carson Wentz could prove to be a valuable presence in a young quarterback room,” Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron wrote. “While Wentz hasn’t seen the field much in the past two seasons, he has produced three big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays on 49 attempts.
“Making a play for a veteran signal-caller is the measured approach.”
The Saints’ quarterback battle is expected to intensify during OTAs and training camp.
Shough is the leader in the clubhouse and knows he has some development to do.
“That’s all you can ask for is an opportunity, at any position,” he said. “I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the QB room and the team”.
While the Saints could opt to move forward with their young quarterbacks, the lack of proven options on the free-agent market makes Wentz an intriguing candidate.
Other available veterans, such as Desmond Ridder and C.J. Beathard, lack Wentz’s pedigree and experience.
Unless New Orleans pursues a trade for a more established starter, Carson Wentz stands out as a logical fit to mentor and potentially back up whichever young quarterback wins the job.