Broncos showed interest in Chiefs QB Carson Wentz

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Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos passes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos will face a different starting quarterback than usual in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Carson Wentz starting in place of Patrick Mahomes.

However, Wentz was almost a Bronco.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton overhauled the team’s quarterback room, cutting Russell Wilson, acquiring Zach Wilson via trade from the New York Jets and drafting Nix No. 12 overall in the 2024 draft.

That makeover could have included Wentz, who Payton said he contacted in the offseason.

“Listen, he’s in this league for a reason,” Payton told reporters on Jan. 1. “He is big and strong. He was a first-round draft pick. We spoke to him and his agents a little during the offseason. So, shoot, it’s the player. But it’s also about understanding everything around it and understanding what they’re trying to do.”

Payton and the Broncos defeated the Chiefs in Week 8 of the 2023 season.

However, this is the club’s only win over their rivals in the last 18 meetings. This run dates back to 2015. That was the last time the Broncos reached the postseason, which is notable since a trip to the playoffs is on the cards for Denver in Week 18.

Carson Wentz is hoping for a big win over the Broncos

GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs wants to pass against the Cleveland Browns.

Wentz was part of the MVP discussion in 2017 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 14 of that season against the Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to win the Super Bowl. He came back and played well in 2018 and received a four-year, $128 million contract extension.

According to Over The Cap, he has banked $132.7 million in his career. But Wentz has a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Chiefs.

A win in Week 18 could go a long way toward securing a more lucrative opportunity in free agency.

“Of course we want to play well and have success out there. And ultimately, more than anything else: achieve a victory. That’s the goal,” Wentz told reporters on Jan. 1. “I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and have a good performance with this offense.” ”

Wentz has a 47-45-1 record as a starter in the NFL. He has completed 62.7% of his passes for 22,312 yards with 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions.

Wentz will make his second start since the 2023 season on Sunday.

“I have confidence in myself, I have confidence in my abilities, and what I did in the past is in the past; good, bad and different,” said the 32-year-old quarterback. “I’m confident that I can play at a high level and so I’m looking forward to hopefully doing that this weekend and having fun.”

Broncos could need a new QB2 in 2025

GettyZach Wilson #4 and Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos run across the field during OTAs.

If Wentz doesn’t find a starting opportunity in free agency, a move to the Broncos could make sense for both sides.

The Broncos signed Nix as QB1.

However, backups Wilson and Jarrett Stidham are free agents after the season and may have a better chance of starting elsewhere. Like Wentz, Wilson is a former No. 2 overall draft pick. Stidham is four years younger and should be cheaper to sign.

Before that, however, the Broncos must beat Wentz and the Chiefs in Week 18 to break their nine-year playoff drought.

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including as a byline at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He lives in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter