The Los Angeles Rams decided to go in a different direction with their backup quarterback position, taking a shot with former No. 2 overall draft pick Carson Wentz. After a rollercoaster journey in the NFL thus far, Wentz lands with the Rams, who selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick just before he was taken No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wentz is now on his fourth team in four seasons, serving as the starter for the Eagles in 2020, Indianapolis Colts in 2021 and Washington Commanders in 2022. He has struggled with turnovers, poor decision making and general inconsistency since a string of injuries that plagued his time in Philadelphia.
But now, he’s getting another chance behind Matthew Stafford with the Rams and he will get just under $1 million to do so, according to the reported contract numbers from Field Yates of ESPN:
Carson Wentz’s 1-year deal with the Rams includes a $150,000 signing bonus and the prorated amount of a $1.165M base salary.
He’s due $732,500 for the remainder of this season as the Rams’ new back-up QB.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 9, 2023
Wentz is under contract for eight regular season games with the Rams, meaning he’ll get paid about $91,500 per game to be the security blanket for Stafford, who is still dealing with a thumb injury and has an uncertain status for Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams clearly feel that Wentz is a significantly better option that Brett Rypien, who struggled mightily in his start against the Green Bay Packers. Although Wentz has been far from his best self in recent seasons, he may bring more flow to the offense than Rypien did in a three-point effort.
If all goes well, Wentz, 30, could find himself sticking around in L.A. with a new lease on life in the NFL.
Kyren Williams expected to return Week 12
Rams head coach Sean McVay brought some good news with regard to the team’s recent injury bug. Running back Kyren Williams, who has been on injured reserve since suffering an ankle sprain against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, is expected to return as soon as he is eligible to in Week 12.
