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Carson Wentz is officially a member of the Washington Commanders. Shortly after the new NFL league year began Wednesday, Washington’s social media accounts started releasing videos and pictures welcoming its new quarterback to town.
In one video, Wentz arrived at the team’s headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, where head coach Ron Rivera met him at the entrance. The two exchanged pleasantries with a smile, with Rivera asking Wentz about his family.
As the pair entered the team’s facility, Rivera told Wentz, “just know, you’re coming somewhere you’re wanted.”
For Wentz, it’s probably the kind of welcome and reassurance he needed after a turbulent last few years of his once-promising career.
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— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 17, 2022
Wentz was on his way to winning the NFL MVP award in 2017 before a knee injury sent his career on a downward trajectory. Nick Foles would take over late in the season and lead the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl championship.
Wentz returned to the lineup in 2018, where he spent the next three seasons as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback. Wentz never quite recaptured that 2017 magic, and there were allegedly numerous locker-room issues. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for two draft choices last offseason, including a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
After a lackluster finish to the season, the Colts were ready to move on from Wentz. It’s unclear why the team was so willing to move on from Wentz. There were rumors of his stubbornness to coaching, lack of leadership, and ownership was not pleased with his decision to go unvaccinated.
If things don’t work out for Wentz with the Commanders, it’s likely his last chance to be an NFL starting quarterback. It’s good to know that his new coach is happy to have him on board for his sake.