Arizona Cardinals could fill backup quarterback spot with Carson Wentz

The second-overall selection of the 2016 NFL Draft could step in at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals until Kyler Murray is ready to return.

Not many experts are going to be expecting much out of the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. A youthful new coaching staff led by Jonathan Gannon will almost certainly experience a fair amount of growing pains during it's first year in the desert.

Also working against the Cardinals is the fact that starting quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a torn ACL back in December. The two-time Pro Bowler will miss an undetermined amount of games because of the injury, so a temporary replacement will be needed. Coincidentally, an intriguing candidate has just been made available.

On Monday, the Washington Commanders cut ties with veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz. While his days as a starter may be over (at least for now), the 30-year-old could be ready to transition into a second career as a backup. Would the Cards be interested in having Wentz lead the offense while Murray is on the shelf?

Wentz was on top of the football world back in December of 2017. After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 10-2 record, the MVP candidate suffered a season-ending injury of his own in Week 14. Substitute Nick Foles led the Eagles to the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history, and Wentz eventually lost favor with the Philly fanbase during the three seasons that followed.

Carson Wentz could look to revive his career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023

The last couple of years have been a nightmare for Wentz. The former North Dakota State University product was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in March of 2021, but his stay with the squad would be short. Indy gave up on Wentz after a regular-season finale loss to the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14) prevented the Colts (9-8) from getting to the playoffs.

Indianapolis traded Wentz to the Commanders in March of 2022, and his stint in the nation's capital would be a flat-out disaster. The 2017 Pro Bowler went 2-6 in his eight starts for Washington last fall. Despite his limited playing time, Wentz still somehow managed to lead the league in interceptions (15), turnovers (19) and sacks taken (50).

Despite his recent failures, a fresh start in the desert could be the perfect remedy for what is ailing Wentz. Much of the pressure would be off of his shoulders with Murray entrenched as the starter. Wentz would basically be asked to keep the boat afloat until the dynamic Murray can return to the lineup.

Colt McCoy was good while he lasted, but the 36-year-old's best days are now far behind him. An opportunity to improve the depth behind Murray should not be ignored. Arizona could use an upgrade at the position, and Wentz could be an excellent man for the job.