Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This offseason has been one of change for the Minnesota Vikings. First general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired, then the quarterback room changed hands as well. While it has been sold that Kyler Murray was brought in to compete with J.J. McCarthy, the job was only going to be his to lose.
Evidence was plentiful as to McCarthy not being ready to lead Minnesota where they are. We continue to get more nuggets suggesting that head coach Kevin O’Connell wasn’t behind it either.
With Murray in tow, the only question remaining was how far down the depth chart the former first round pick would tumble. Now having re-signed Carson Wentz, we have our answer.
Carson Wentz back for Minnesota Vikings
Last season the Minnesota Vikings signed Carson Wentz just days before the regular season after Sam Howell proved to be inept as a backup. He fared well despite limited ramp up, and quickly developed a rapport with the offense. After an injury ended his season, he’s back for another run.
Welcome back, Carson!
The #Vikings have agreed to terms to re-sign @cj_wentz.https://t.co/YD77xV34Ac pic.twitter.com/QhvwPkpBC8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 19, 2026
After J.J. McCarthy couldn’t make it through the first two games of the season, it was on Wentz to step in. He wound up playing in five games for the Vikings. Although the team went just 2-3 with him starting, it was the veteran backup that new how to find Justin Jefferson.
While McCarthy couldn’t connect with Jefferson for more than 50 yards per game, Wentz consistently had his top wideout over 90 yards. He completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards and 6 touchdowns. There’s nothing to suggest that Wentz was lighting the world on fire, but he certainly wasn’t making it burn either.
Now back in the fold, it seems likely that the Vikings will utilize Wentz as the QB2. There’s no benefit to him sitting third on the depth chart, and he provides a competent veteran option to step in mid game should something happen to Murray. The MN Vikings were willing to let Wentz be a sacrificial offering against the Chargers rather than play McCarthy, and that should say everything you need to know.
JJ McCarthy MN Vikings future murkier than ever
Now buried behind two quarterbacks both infinitely more accomplished than himself, J.J. McCarthy’s future in Minnesota is in serious question. While he could certainly prove a better option than Wentz in the not-so-distant future, he just isn’t right now.
What that means for his value on the roster, or a level of distraction, remains to be seen. There’s no way the Vikings will recoup the value needed to draft him 10th overall. They could see if a change of scenery swap, say for someone like Anthony Richardson, gives two players a fresh start.
At the end of the day, Kyler Murray playing well for the Minnesota Vikings was all but going to end McCarthy’s time in purple. Now that timeline may be expedited solely so a mistake made doesn’t linger with a black cloud hanging over its head.
Mentioned in this article: Carson Wentz
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