The Minnesota Vikings are still navigating the backup quarterback market, hoping to solidify the depth chart behind J.J. McCarthy as he prepares to take the reins as QB1 in 2025. Among the options being considered is top veteran star, who most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now 32, made a brief appearance in 2024, starting the Chiefs’ Week 18 game where he completed just under 59% of his passes for 98 yards in a blowout loss to Denver.
With limited veteran options still available — and several targets already signing elsewhere — ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted that Minnesota will likely continue exploring the market. As it stands, Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the roster.
Other possibilities mentioned include top star and fellow veteran Joe Flacco, both of whom bring starting experience that could prove valuable behind the still-unproven McCarthy.
While top veteran seems to be the more frequently mentioned candidate for Minnesota’s QB2 role, Carson Wentz presents an intriguing alternative. Wentz would bring a strong résumé to the Vikings’ quarterback room, including a Pro Bowl selection and two Super Bowl runs — one of which he won in 2017 with Philadelphia.
His potential addition would align with Kevin O’Connell’s pattern of taking on reclamation projects, hoping to rejuvenate veterans within his system. Wentz also has familiarity with the offensive scheme, having played under Sean McVay with the Rams in 2023 — a system with clear similarities to what O’Connell runs in Minnesota.
While he hasn’t been as widely linked to the Vikings as Flacco, Wentz’s experience and system knowledge could make him an ideal fit as a steadying presence behind McCarthy.
Carson Wentz Went From MVP Candidate to Journeyman Backup
Since then, Wentz has bounced around the league, starting for the Washington Commanders in 2022 before landing with the Rams as a backup in 2023. While the flashes of his early career potential have surfaced sporadically, injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from returning to his pre-injury form.
Despite that, his 2021 campaign with the Colts showed that Wentz can still be a competent starter or, at the very least, a serviceable backup. His ability to manage games, coupled with his athleticism and experience, could provide crucial depth behind JJ McCarthy, especially for a Vikings team with playoff aspirations.
If Minnesota is looking for someone who has started in high-stakes situations and can step in should McCarthy falter or get injured, Wentz would be a logical choice.
Given that limited usage over the past two seasons, Wentz would be coming to Minnesota more as a stabilizing veteran presence than as someone expected to seriously push for a starting role. His knowledge of multiple offensive systems and ability to step in as a spot starter or mentor to McCarthy could still hold value, especially on a roster built to contend.
For a young quarterback like McCarthy, having a veteran like Wentz—who has been through the highs of an MVP-caliber season and the lows of multiple relocations—could provide helpful guidance during the rookie’s first full season under center. The key question will be whether Wentz is content stepping into a clear QB2 role or if he seeks a situation where there’s a clearer path to playing time.
Carson Wentz an Option as Vikings Seek QB2 Behind J.J. McCarthy
Despite internal debates and the allure of adding a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers, Minnesota ultimately doubled down on its investment in McCarthy. The Vikings appear ready to ride with their young quarterback, reinforcing their long-term vision rather than opting for a short-term splash.
Passing on Rodgers sends a clear message: they’re focused on developing McCarthy as the face of the franchise. Still, the chatter around Rodgers shows that Minnesota was at least open to exploring every possible avenue. Now, the pressure is squarely on McCarthy to deliver and validate the Vikings’ confidence in him, especially with the window to contend appearing wide open thanks to their offensive arsenal.
It’ll be interesting to see if they still add a veteran like Wentz or Flacco to ensure they’re insulated should McCarthy have growing pains.
Exactly, this is very much a “prove it” stretch for McCarthy. The Vikings seem determined to give him every opportunity to be their QB1, but the presence of veterans like Wentz or Flacco on the radar shows they aren’t going into the season without a safety net.
McCarthy will need to show that he can handle the speed of the NFL and manage the expectations that come with a team built to compete now. With weapons like Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson, and Jones, the situation is arguably one of the better environments for a young QB to step into. But if he struggles, having a veteran like Wentz waiting in the wings could be a critical insurance policy.
It definitely feels like a defining offseason for both McCarthy’s career trajectory and the Vikings’ win-now aspirations.