The NFL world received some shocking news last Friday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to break the news that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for the 2025 season.
On the surface, Carr’s injury has no impact on Kansas City as they are in different conferences. Yet, his injury opens the door for Carson Wentz, who was the Chiefs back last season, to have the opportunity to be a starter in 2025.
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Derek Carr’s Injury Provides Carson Wentz Chance to Be a Starter in 2025 with Saints
One of the major reasons Wentz didn’t re-sign with the Chiefs was his reported desire to be a starter in 2025. Obviously, staying in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes would not have given him that opportunity.
In 2024, Wentz saw action in three games, with his most extensive time being in Week 18 with the backups. In that game, he went 10/17 for 90 yards.
That said, earlier this offseason, the 32-year-old had discussions with the Cleveland Browns about signing there if they couldn’t land Russell Wilson. Although the interest was reported to be mutual it seems that it fell through since Cleveland signed Joe Flacco last Friday.
Now, with Carr’s injury, New Orleans may be the most logical spot for Wentz to land. The former North Dakota State signal caller last played the whole season as a team’s starter in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts. That year, Wentz completed 62.4% of his passes (322/516) for 3,563 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Wentz’s production that season is similar to Carr’s first year in New Orleans. In 2023, Carr completed 68.4% (374/548) passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Although Wentz hasn’t been a starter for two straight seasons, he would provide a steadier hand than a rookie.
Even if Wentz doesn’t end up with the Saints, he could still end up starting in 2025, depending on how the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation pans out. Despite the fact Wentz barely saw the field in Kansas City, Chiefs fans wish him the best going forward.
