Sean McVay indicated on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams could add some competition at backup quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and they didn’t waste any time doing that. As first reported by Aaron Wilson, the Rams are signing Carson Wentz.
They’re also releasing rookie Dresser Winn from the practice squad.
Wentz has been a free agent since the Commanders released him in February, waiting for his next opportunity. That’s coming in Los Angeles with the Rams, where Brett Rypien hasn’t cut it as a backup to Stafford.
With Winn being released from the practice squad, it’s likely Wentz will start on the practice squad and potentially be elevated to the game-day roster.
#Rams are releasing quarterback Dresser Wynn and are expected to add Carson Wentz as a backup to Matthew Stafford, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 7, 2023
McVay said Monday that he’s optimistic about Stafford playing against the Seahawks in Week 11 when the Rams return from their bye, so it’s unlikely Wentz will be the starter in that one. He will have an extra week to get acclimated in Los Angeles, though.
Rypien struggled in his lone start with the Rams on Sunday, completing 13 of 28 passes for 130 yards with one interception and a lost fumble in the 20-3 loss.
Wentz started seven games for the Commanders last season and threw for 1,755 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In his career, he’s completed 62.6% of his passes and averaged 237.9 yards per game with 151 touchdown passes and 66 interceptions.
He was the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, the year the Rams drafted Jared Goff first overall. Los Angeles also had Jalen Ramsey (fifth overall) and Leonard Floyd (ninth overall) on their roster from that draft class.
