The Minnesota Vikings still have options, but they are testing the limits of their quarterback situation. J.J. McCarthy is set to start, and the Vikings are looking for a backup QB, possibly including Carson Wentz.
Wentz, 32, played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 season. He started in Week 18, completing 58.8% of his passes for 98 yards in a 38-0 defeat to the Denver Broncos.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted on March 19 that the Vikings will need to keep searching for a veteran backup for McCarthy, as many candidates have already signed with other teams. Brett Rypien is currently the only other QB on the roster, with veterans like Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz being considered.
While Flacco has been frequently linked to the Vikings, Wentz has been mentioned less often. If he joins, he would bring the most experience to the Vikings’ QB room, having made a Pro Bowl and participated in two Super Bowl runs, winning in 2017. Wentz would be the latest reclamation project for head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Wentz is familiar with a similar offensive system, having played under Rams head coach Sean McVay in 2023.
Once a potential MVP candidate, Wentz’s career took a downturn due to a knee injury in 2017 that shifted his path. He spent five seasons with the Eagles before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. That season, he threw for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, starting all 17 games. After a 9-8 record, Wentz was traded to the Washington Commanders, where an injury to him in 2022 allowed Taylor Heinicke to take over. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Wentz threw just 43 passes.
The Vikings are committed to McCarthy, whom they selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft. Head coach O’Connell has consistently called McCarthy their future, a stance highlighted by their decision not to pursue Aaron Rodgers.
As it stands, McCarthy, who has yet to play in a regular season game, will need to prove himself during training camp. According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, there were discussions about Rodgers, but the Vikings have fully backed McCarthy as their starter moving forward.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic shared that while the Vikings believe they have a roster capable of contending for the Super Bowl, McCarthy is still young, and this offseason is a crucial time for him to prove he’s ready.
Wentz, who has earned $131.9 million in his career, could serve as a safety net for the Vikings, but that would only be necessary if McCarthy fails to earn their trust.
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