Following a season derailed by problems at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings have acted swiftly to shore up the position. Having already secured the services of free agent Kyler Murray, the Vikings have now snapped up Carson Wentz on a one-year deal.
Wentz, who started five games for Minnesota last season, adds depth and valuable experience to a squad looking to rebound in 2026.
First-Round Picks to Bring Stability
Vikings fans will hope this latest move brings stability to what has become a problem position in recent seasons. Since taking the hot seat in 2022, Kevin O’Connell has used three or more quarterbacks in two of his four seasons in charge. Following injuries to JJ McCarthy and Carson Wentz, the Vikings ended 2025 with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer in the starting role as they faded out of playoff contention.
The fact that both Sam Darnold (Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks) and Daniel Jones (enjoying a successful stint in Indianapolis) have entered and left the building during O’Connell’s tenure may add to the frustration of Vikings fans.
In re-signing Wentz, the Vikings have a strong group on paper, with three quarterbacks who were selected in the first round filling out the depth chart:
- Carson Wentz – Selected number two overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia Eagles
- Kyler Murray – Selected number one overall in 2019 by the Arizona Cardinals
- J.J. McCarthy – Selected number 10 overall in 2024 by the Minnesota Vikings
Murray in Pole Position to Start
Things may change in preseason, but Kyler Murray appears to be in the box seat to earn the starting role. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner started well in Arizona, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season, and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and 2021. However, he has failed to post a winning record since that 2021 campaign and started just five games in 2025 due to a foot injury sustained in a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Having lost the starting role in Arizona to Jacoby Brissett, Murray was released by Arizona on 11 March 2026. Just one day later, he signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. With Murray owed $36.8 million by the Cardinals for the 2026 season, the Vikings were able to secure his services for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million – a move which could look like a real coup if all goes well.
The arrival of Murray represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the Vikings. Despite his work ethic and dedication being questioned at times, the 28-year-old arrives with a 67.1% career completion percentage and a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio. At his best, he is also an elite dual-threat quarterback, with 3,193 career rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.
Wentz Rock-Solid Backup
At 33, and heading into his 11th season in the NFL, Carson Wentz’s best years may be behind him. However, he brings a wealth of experience, following stints with the Eagles, Colts, Commanders, Rams, and Chiefs.
At his peak, Wentz wasn’t far off the best in the business. In 2017, the North Dakota native finished third in the MVP vote, having led the Eagles to an 11-2 record and the playoffs. Wentz tore his ACL in Week 14, missing the postseason as the Eagles went on to Super Bowl success with Nick Foles at quarterback.
A 3-8-1 record saw Wentz displaced by Jalen Hurts at the end of 2020. Since then, he has led a nomadic existence, with single-season stays in Indianapolis, Washington, LA, and Kansas City.
His latest stop saw him arrive in Minnesota in August 2025 to serve as backup to JJ McCarthy. Wentz took over the starting role in Week 3, with McCarthy having suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Having supported the Vikings as a child, the veteran was an immediate hit with the fans and started well in a 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He added a second win when finding Jordan Addison for the winning touchdown with 25 seconds left against the Browns in Week 5.
That win over the Browns came at a cost for Wentz, with a dislocated shoulder resulting in a torn labrum and fractured shoulder socket in his non-throwing arm. Showing admirable grit, Wentz played through the pain in losses to the Eagles and Chargers before undergoing season-ending surgery. With that surgery a success, Wentz starts a new season with the same franchise for the first time since 2020.
Where Does This Leave J.J. McCarthy?
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Following the signings of Murray and Wentz, it remains to be seen where the most recent first-round pick sits in the pecking order. Since arriving from Michigan in 2024, J.J. McCarthy has endured a torrid time with injuries. Missing the whole of his rookie season following knee surgery, an ankle sprain, a concussion, and a broken hand, saw him sit out eight games in 2025.
Unsurprisingly, given those interruptions, the 23-year-old has struggled for consistency, with a 57.1% completion percentage, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over his ten games as a starter. Viewed as the long-term successor to Kirk Cousins when drafted in 2024, he must now outdo two seasoned top-two draft picks to force his way into the team.