BREAKING: The Vikings Are Signing Former Chiefs QB Carson Wentz — Veteran Quarterback Heads to Minnesota as J.J. McCarthy’s Backup
In a move that has stirred conversation across the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings are signing veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Wentz, now 32, joins the Vikings with the expectation of serving as the primary backup to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team’s highly touted first-round pick out of Michigan.
The signing underscores Minnesota’s commitment to balancing the future with experience. While McCarthy is viewed as the long-term franchise quarterback, the addition of Wentz gives head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings an experienced veteran presence who can both support McCarthy’s development and step in if needed during the season.
Why the Vikings Made This Move
The Vikings’ quarterback room had been in flux since the departure of Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason. Minnesota made a bold statement during the draft, selecting McCarthy 10th overall, signaling that the franchise was ready to transition into a new era.
Still, entering the season with only a rookie and inexperienced depth options behind him presented a significant risk. Wentz, who has started 93 games in his NFL career and played for four different franchises, brings a veteran presence that the Vikings lacked. His arrival allows O’Connell and the coaching staff to lean on someone who has faced a wide range of scenarios in his career — from MVP-caliber stretches to postseason experience.
“Carson has been in this league for nearly a decade,” Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “He’s seen success at the highest levels and has also battled through adversity. We believe his presence will be invaluable to J.J. and to our entire quarterback room.”
Wentz’s Career Journey
Wentz entered the league in 2016 as the No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. His early years were electric — particularly the 2017 season, where he was a frontrunner for MVP before a torn ACL ended his year. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl with Nick Foles, but Wentz’s injury marked a turning point in his career.
Over the next few seasons, inconsistency, injuries, and organizational changes in Philadelphia led to his eventual trade to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. After just one season, he was dealt again, this time to the Washington Commanders, where he struggled to regain his footing as a full-time starter.
In 2023, Wentz signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup to Patrick Mahomes. Though he didn’t see significant playing time, Wentz earned praise within the organization for his professionalism and work ethic. That reputation helped open the door to Minnesota, where the Vikings were in search of a reliable veteran who could stabilize the quarterback room behind McCarthy.
The Role in Minnesota
For Wentz, the opportunity in Minnesota is a clear chance to reset his career trajectory. While he’s no longer seen as a franchise quarterback, his role as a veteran backup is still vital in today’s NFL.
“Obviously my goal is to come in, help J.J. any way I can, and be ready if my number is called,” Wentz said during his introductory press conference. “I’ve been through a lot in this league, and I know how important it is to be prepared every single week. I’m excited to be part of what the Vikings are building.”
McCarthy, only 21, will likely benefit from having Wentz as a mentor. Despite his struggles, Wentz has experienced playoff chases, locker room challenges, and pressure-filled environments — insights that could help the rookie navigate the ups and downs of his first NFL season.
What This Means for the Vikings
Minnesota enters the 2025 season in a unique position. With stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at receiver, and a rebuilt offensive line, the team is built to compete immediately. The defense has also been retooled under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, making the Vikings a dark-horse playoff contender.
However, the success of the season hinges largely on quarterback play. While McCarthy will be asked to grow quickly, the team has safeguarded itself by adding Wentz. In the event of injury or struggles, O’Connell now has a battle-tested option who can step in without derailing the season.
NFL analysts have already weighed in on the move. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted: “This is a smart signing for Minnesota. You don’t want to throw McCarthy to the wolves without a safety net. Wentz might not be the same player he was in 2017, but he knows how to operate an NFL offense, and that has real value.”
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on McCarthy’s progress, but Wentz’s presence will remain a storyline to watch. How much the veteran contributes both on and off the field could go a long way in determining how smoothly the Vikings transition into their new era at quarterback.
For now, Minnesota fans can feel reassured: the Vikings have both a promising young talent and a proven veteran in their quarterback room. That combination could make all the difference in a season filled with expectations, uncertainty, and opportunity.
Carson Wentz’s journey has taken him from near-MVP to journeyman backup. In Minnesota, he may have found the perfect landing spot — not as a star, but as a steady hand guiding the next face of the franchise.
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