Chiefs Sign Former First-Round QB as Patrick Mahomes' Backup

The Chiefs officially have a new backup QB after Blaine Gabbert entered free agency, agreeing to a one-year deal with former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz on Monday night.

Wentz spent five seasons with the Eagles and earned MVP buzz before getting injured in their eventual Super Bowl-winning season. He's bounced around the league since, playing for the Colts, Commanders, and Rams trying to recapture his 2017 form.

Now, the journeyman QB will join the two-time defending Super Bowl champions and likely be Mahomes' primary backup as the Chiefs try to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

Chiefs News: KC Signs QB Carson Wentz

Wentz has struggled in starting roles and is turnover-prone, though there's perhaps no better place to develop as a QB than Kansas City with Andy Reid and Mahomes. The one-year deal gives Wentz an opportunity to prove himself then earn a larger payday, whether to continue with the Chiefs or try his hand as a starter again elsewhere.

It feels like a lifetime ago when Wentz finished third in AP MVP voting in 2017, but he did throw 27 TDs to just seven interceptions in Indianapolis in 2021.

Andy Reid has always preferred veterans with plenty of experience as backup QBs, from Chad Henne to Gabbert and now to Wentz. He's got more game reps than any of the other available options, and this is preferrable to drafting a rookie that could get thrown in the fire if disaster strikes.

This is yet another low-cost, high-upside move from one of the savviest organizations in the league. After all, even Chad Henne had to step in during the 2022-23 playoffs to orchestrate a scoring drive against the Browns.

Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Once again, the Chiefs are prepared for whatever comes their way.

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