The Minnesota Vikings still have options, but they are testing the limits of what they can achieve at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy is set to start, and the Vikings are exploring options for a backup, possibly including Carson Wentz.
Wentz, 32, spent the 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. In Week 18, he started, completing 58.8% of his passes for 98 yards in a 38-0 loss to the Denver Broncos.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported on March 19 that the Vikings need to continue searching for a veteran backup for McCarthy, as several candidates have already signed elsewhere. Veteran Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the roster, and among the possibilities are Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz.
Flacco has been frequently linked to the Vikings, but Wentz has not been mentioned as often. If Wentz were to join, he’d bring the most experience to the QB room, with a Pro Bowl appearance and two Super Bowl runs under his belt, including a win in 2017. He would be the latest player to be revitalized under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Wentz has experience in a similar offensive system, having played for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 under head coach Sean McVay.
Carson Wentz.
From MVP candidate to journeyman backup, Wentz was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft. A devastating knee injury during his MVP-caliber 2017 season derailed his career, leading him on a path as a backup.
After five seasons with the Eagles, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. He started all 17 games that year, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Wentz went 9-8 as the Colts’ starter but was traded to the Washington Commanders the following year.
He began the 2022 season as the Commanders’ starter but was replaced by Taylor Heinicke after an injury. Wentz threw just 43 passes in the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined.
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