Recent reports on the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart suggested they would keep UDFA rookie**Max Brosmeras their QB2 behind starterJ.J. McCarthy**. That may not be the case, however.
Although Minnesota allowed**Sam Darnold** to walk in free agency this offseason, the club did attempt to retain**Daniel Jones, who turned down a more lucrative offer from the Vikes to join the Colts (a wise decision, in hindsight). And, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter observes, the Vikings did want a veteran backup for McCarthy this year, which is why they tried to re-sign Jones and why they already had a deal lined up withCarson Wentz** when they traded**Sam Howell** in August (Howell himself was acquired by Minnesota via trade just four months prior).
Wentz served as an injury replacement for McCarthy over the Vikings’ last five games, winning two of them. The former No. 2 overall pick is now done for the season due to a shoulder injury, but McCarthy is now healthy and is set to return to his place in the starting lineup. For the time being, Brosmer is McCarthy’s clipboard holder, and recent acquisition**John Wolford** will operate as the third signal-caller.
Schefter’s sources say Minnesota’s thought process with respect to its QB2 role has not really changed. The team is said to be high on Brosmer, but a veteran passer would be welcome nonetheless, according to Schefter.
With the 2025 trade deadline just two days away, the Vikings would need to act quickly to make that happen. Familiar face and current Falcon**Kirk Cousins, who recently underwhelmed in a one-game relief appearance forMichael Penix Jr.**, would make sense. As Schefter confirms, though, Atlanta has shown no inclination to trade last year’s free agent prize and seems unlikely to change its stance in that regard.
The Giants’**Russell Wilson** and**Jameis Winston** have long been floated as trade candidates, and rookie **Jaxson Dart**’s ascent to Big Blue’s starting quarterback gig has solidified the veterans’ status as potential trade bait. It is fair to wonder, as Schefter does, if one of those two players could be on the move in the next 48 hours or so.