The Minnesota Vikings have their future in J.J. McCarthy, but they still need a solid backup. With multiple veteran quarterbacks signing elsewhere, Minnesota is running out of options—and that’s where Carson Wentz could come into play.
Vikings Exploring Veteran QB Options
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that the Vikings are still searching for a reliable veteran QB2 behind McCarthy.
“The Vikings will need to continue working to find a veteran backup for McCarthy, as multiple candidates have signed elsewhere,” Seifert wrote on March 19. “Veteran Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the roster. Possibilities include Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz.”
While Flacco has been linked to Minnesota more frequently, Wentz remains an under-the-radar option. If signed, he would bring more experience than anyone else in the Vikings’ QB room, including a Pro Bowl nod and a Super Bowl-winning season in 2017.
From MVP Candidate to Journeyman Backup
Once considered the future of the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz was the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 and was on an MVP-caliber run in 2017 before a devastating knee injury changed his trajectory. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl that season, but Nick Foles was under center when it mattered most.
Since then, Wentz has bounced around the league, making stops with the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2024, he started one game for the Chiefs, completing 58.8% of his passes for 98 yards in a 38-0 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Despite his struggles, Wentz has experience in Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, having spent 2023 with Sean McVay’s Rams. That familiarity could make him a viable option for Minnesota.
Is Wentz the Right Fit Behind McCarthy?
The Vikings have made it clear that McCarthy is their guy. They even passed on Aaron Rodgers, proving their commitment to their rookie QB.
“The reporting was that the Vikings strongly considered Rodgers. Nothing more, not that it was likely. But discussions happened, and there were many inside the building in support of the possibility,” The Athletic’s Alec Lewis posted on X.
McCarthy has never taken a regular-season snap, and his performance in training camp will determine if Minnesota was right to bet on him. But having a capable veteran backup—even if just as a safety net—could be crucial.
“Here’s how I see the Vikings’ QB saga: They have a roster they believe can make the Super Bowl. J.J. McCarthy is still very young. Rodgers is intriguing with his talent and experience, but he brings a lot of baggage,” wrote The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. “J.J. should view this spring/summer as time to buckle down and show he’s ready.”
Will the Vikings Take a Chance on Wentz?
With $131.9 million in career earnings, Wentz isn’t hurting for money, but he may still want one more shot at proving himself. If the Vikings are looking for a low-risk veteran to back up McCarthy, Wentz could be their guy—but only if McCarthy stumbles.
For now, Minnesota’s QB room remains a work in progress, and the backup plan is still up in the air.
