Carson Wentz. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz sought help from Super Bowl-winning HC, aims to play in 2023

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/14/23

Carson Wentz's career hasn't gone according to plan, as the 2016 second overall pick has already played for three NFL teams, all of which have moved on. However, bordering on bust territory, the 30-year-old is doing all he can to earn an NFL job.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Wentz intends to play in 2023, but while he awaits the "right situation," he's been working alongside former head coach Jon Gruden, throwing and studying film in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Free-agent QB Carson Wentz has been spending time in Tampa, throwing and studying film with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden. Wentz wants and intends to play this season, and is awaiting the right situation.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2023

Wentz played in only eight games for the Washington Commanders in 2022, missing time following surgery to repair a fractured finger. However, upon his return, he'd lost his job to upstart Taylor Heinicke before the Commanders released Wentz in February. Wentz went 2-5 in seven starts, throwing 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions, averaging 10.2 yards per reception, the lowest since his rookie season (10.0).

In March, a report indicated that Wentz was so determined to continue his NFL career that he was open to "various roles," meaning he'd be okay with being someone's backup. And now, seeking Gruden's help, Wentz is going the extra mile to earn another chance elsewhere.

Gruden is known as a quarterback guru, but there is a stigma surrounding the Super Bowl XXXVII-winning head coach. In October 2021, he resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders following a slew of leaked emails of Gruden using misogynistic, racist and anti-LGBTQ language while working as an analyst for ESPN.

The 59-year-old still has a pending lawsuit against the NFL, claiming the 2021 leak compromised his job prospect in the league. However, Gruden recently worked with the New Orleans Saints and is now assisting Wentz, meaning his standing in the NFL might not be as dire as he's leading on.

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