The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of another dominant season, boasting a 10-1 record as they head into Week 13. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs have enjoyed stability and success at the quarterback position. However, in the event of an injury to Mahomes, the team is fortunate to have a capable backup in Carson Wentz.
Still, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests that Wentz might explore new opportunities during the 2025 free agency period.
Kansas City Chiefs QB ‘Would Make Sense’ for the Minnesota Vikings
In a November 25 feature analyzing each NFL team’s needs heading into Week 13, Knox argued that the Minnesota Vikings may part ways with Sam Darnold after this season, turning to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their starter.
“That’s a great plan, but it would behoove Minnesota to have a veteran mentor in place,” Knox wrote.
Wentz, according to Knox, is a logical candidate.
“For one, he spent the 2022 season with Sean McVay and the Rams,” Knox noted. “[Vikings coach] Kevin O’Connell is a McVay disciple, so Wentz would likely enter the building with some system familiarity.”
Another advantage, Knox explained, is that Wentz wouldn’t pose a significant “threat” to McCarthy’s starting role, which could help the rookie transition more smoothly.
“He’s firmly in the backup stage of his career and can focus on teaching the young signal-caller—and he should have plenty to teach,” Knox stated. He also highlighted Wentz’s accomplishments, including his contributions to a Super Bowl victory and his experience as a backup for quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes over the past two seasons.
Other Chiefs Players Could Also Leave
Knox speculated about additional Chiefs players who might depart during free agency.
He pointed to guard Trey Smith as a potential target for the Arizona Cardinals, writing that “Arizona is projected to have $98 million in effective cap space next offseason, which means general manager Monti Ossenfort can splurge.”
Knox also suggested that running back Kareem Hunt might fit with the New Orleans Saints, though their financial limitations could make such a move challenging. “The Saints won’t be able to splurge in free agency, as they’re projected to be $70.5 million over the cap in terms of effective space,” he noted.
Carson Wentz Praises Patrick Mahomes
For now, Wentz remains focused on his role as Mahomes’ backup, a position he takes seriously.
“I’ll find a way to help him whatever way I can, whether that’s off the field, on the field, whatever,” Wentz told ESPN’s Adam Teicher in July.
Wentz also spoke highly of Mahomes’ abilities, describing his quarterback as someone who “processes the game really quickly.”
“He calls protections, he’s in and out of the huddle and throwing anticipatory throws, all that stuff, all that stuff you see from afar,” Wentz explained. “But it’s just fun to see it and in some respects just see different windows on plays that maybe you didn’t see before because he’s playing so quickly out there.”
The Chiefs’ next challenge will be against the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. Eastern.
