According to several reports, the Los Angeles Rams have signed free agent quarterback Carson Wentz.
The source spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because Wentz had to undergo a physical examination before the deal could be announced.
Wentz left the NFL this season after playing seven games for the Washington Commanders last season. The seven-year NFL veteran was Philadelphia’s starter for five years and started all 17 games for Indianapolis in 2021.
The Rams (3-6) need another passer behind Matthew Stafford, who missed last weekend’s dismal loss to Los Angeles in rainy Green Bay with a thumb injury.
Backup Brett Rypien was the only other quarterback on the Rams’ roster before Stafford’s injury, and he struggled to a 13-of-28 performance with two fumbles and an interception in a 20-3 loss.
Carson Wentz chose a mix of his three former teams during an offseason workout
Wentz was released by the Washington Commanders at the end of last season
Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday he’s optimistic about Stafford’s return next week after the team’s bye week, but Wentz’s signing signals the Rams want insurance in case the injury lingers or Stafford gets hurt again .
Los Angeles tried to get through the season with Stafford and Rypien as the only quarterbacks on their roster. The Rams drafted Stetson Bennett in the fourth round last spring, but the two-time national champion from Georgia has been away from the team since the preseason for undisclosed reasons.
Stafford missed the second half of last season with a bruised spinal cord, and the Rams struggled with backups John Wolford and Bryce Perkins. Los Angeles then acquired Baker Mayfield, who led the Rams to a win over Las Vegas two days after signing and ultimately revived his career enough to earn a new contract as Tampa Bay’s starter this season.
Rams general manager Les Snead chose Jared Goff over Wentz as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance and he was later traded to Detroit in the package for Stafford, who made the Super Bowl won in his first season with Los Angeles.
Wentz has racked up 22,129 yards and 151 touchdowns in his NFL career. He was in the midst of a standout season for the Eagles in 2017 until he suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game against the Rams, and Nick Foles led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl title.