After a rough showing from Brett Rypien in Week 9, the Los Angeles Rams decided it was time to upgrade the quarterback room.
The Rams released Rypien and announced they signed veteran Carson Wentz. Wentz last appeared with the Washington Commanders during the 2022 season but lost his starting spot to Taylor Heinicke after hurting his finger.
Although Wentz reclaimed the starting job, the Commanders opted to release him after just one season. However, the former No. 2 overall pick now finds himself back in the league with a Los Angeles team looking for more depth and experience.
Wentz spoke to the media for the first time since signing and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity with the Rams, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I will say, the NFL has a way of humbling everybody,” Wentz said Wednesday in his first press conference with his new team. “And it’s a process, but at the same time, I’m no dummy. I’ve seen it all, I know how this league works and I know kind of how last year ended, and I didn’t play good enough. And so I was aware of what it could be. We all desire to be the guy playing, don’t get me wrong. I think everyone would be lying to you if they said differently, but we all also know it’s hard business, it’s hard a league, and just to be on a team, to be around the guys, is a blessing regardless. So I’m thankful for that opportunity, and I’ll help in whatever way I can and I’m going to be ready. I don’t have to worry about next year, I don’t worry about the following years, I can just be where my feet are and have as much fun as I can and help as much as I can.”
Wentz also admitted that it was difficult for him to have to wait so long before signing with a team:
“It’s hard. Really hard,” Wentz said. “My wife can attest, I’m not very patient, very much a planner, too. I would plan my week pretty much Monday nights when it was like, ‘Is this week? Is anything happening? Talk to my agent, no (it’s not happening).’ So it was tough. It was definitely tough. But at the same time, it was a blessing in a way, too. I got to spend a lot of time with my family. Just a weird year for me, 10 months since I’ve been in the locker room, you know? So just staying ready and soaking up that family time. Got to hunt way more than I normally get would get to, and so been enjoying it, but staying ready at the same time.”
Even though Wentz will serve as the backup to Matthew Stafford, he must be glad to be back on a roster. The Rams are hoping Wentz won’t have to step in for Stafford at any point, but in the event the latter gets hurt again, the former provides a little more insurance.
