Carson Wentz is basically the NFL's ultimate "what if" story. One minute he's the MVP-favorite leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a historic run, and the next, he's a suitcase quarterback jumping from the AFC to the NFC every time the leaves change. Honestly, if you try to keep track of the Carson Wentz dates joined without a calendar, you're going to get a headache. It's a wild ride through trades, massive contract extensions, and "prove-it" deals that tells us a lot about how the league views talent versus consistency.
He isn't just a player; he’s a case study in how quickly the window closes in pro football.
The Philadelphia Era: Where it All Began
Everything started on April 28, 2016. That's the night the Eagles took him second overall. They traded a mountain of picks to Cleveland to get him. People forget how much hype there was. He was the FCS kid from North Dakota State who looked like he was built in a lab to play quarterback.
Shortly after the draft, on May 12, 2016, Wentz officially signed his rookie deal. It was a four-year, $26.67 million contract. At the time, he wasn't even supposed to start. The plan was to let him sit behind Sam Bradford. Then, Teddy Bridgewater got hurt in Minnesota, the Vikings traded for Bradford, and suddenly Wentz was the guy.
Then came the big one. On June 6, 2019, Wentz signed a massive four-year extension worth $128 million. $107 million of that was guaranteed. He was the face of the franchise. He had the city in his hands. But the relationship soured faster than anyone expected after a disastrous 2020 season.
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The Trade Years: Indianapolis and Washington
The breakup in Philly was messy. On March 17, 2021, the Eagles officially traded Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. This was supposed to be his redemption arc because he was reuniting with Frank Reich, the guy who coached him during his near-MVP season. The Colts gave up a third-round pick and what eventually became a first-rounder.
It didn't stick.
The Colts missed the playoffs after a collapse against the Jaguars in the final week. On March 16, 2022, exactly one year after joining Indy, the Colts shipped him off to the Washington Commanders. Washington took on his entire $28.3 million cap hit. It felt desperate. He started seven games, got hurt, lost his job to Taylor Heinicke, and was eventually released on February 27, 2023.
Becoming a Journeyman: Rams, Chiefs, and Beyond
After being released by Washington, Wentz sat at home for a long time. It was weird seeing a guy with that much arm talent without a job. Finally, the Los Angeles Rams called. On November 7, 2023, he signed as a backup to Matthew Stafford. He only started one game, but he looked decent, which was enough to keep his career on life support.
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Once that one-year stint ended, he hit the market again.
On April 2, 2024, Wentz signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined them on a one-year deal worth roughly $3.3 million. Going from a $128 million franchise QB to a $3 million backup for Patrick Mahomes is a hell of a reality check. But for Carson, it was about staying in the league and learning from Andy Reid.
Most recently, the journey took another turn. In August 2025, Wentz signed with the Minnesota Vikings. After nearly a decade in the league, he's back in the NFC North territory near where his college days began.
A Breakdown of the Major Milestones
- April 28, 2016: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
- May 12, 2016: Signed his first NFL contract.
- June 6, 2019: Signed the $128M extension that defined his career.
- March 17, 2021: Joined the Indianapolis Colts via trade.
- March 16, 2022: Joined the Washington Commanders via trade.
- November 7, 2023: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent.
- April 2, 2024: Joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
- August 2025: Signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Looking at these Carson Wentz dates joined, you see a pattern of high-stakes gambles. Teams keep hoping they can fix him. They see the 6'5" frame and the "A-plus" arm and think they’re the ones who can bring back the 2017 version of him.
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But football is as much about the "between the ears" stuff as it is the physical. His tendency to hold the ball too long and hunt for the "big play" instead of the "right play" is what led to those 50 sacks in 2020. It's why he's moved five times in five years.
If you’re tracking his career for fantasy football or just out of curiosity, the big takeaway is that he’s now firmly in the "premium backup" phase of his life. He’s the guy you call when your starter goes down and you need someone who won't be intimidated by the stage. He’s made over $130 million in his career, so don't feel too bad for him.
The next step for anyone following this saga is to watch how he integrates into the Vikings' system. If he can stay healthy and limit the turnovers, he might just find a permanent home as a high-end bridge starter. Keep an eye on the official transaction wires as the 2026 season approaches, as his current contract situation usually leads to movement during the late summer window.