The Vikings' decision to sign Kyler Murray in free agency immediately put J.J. McCarthy's future as the team's longterm option at quarterback seriously in doubt. Brining back Carson Wentz on a $3 million deal could put even more pressure on Minnesota's young QB. Here's why.
It was reported on Saturday that Wentz will have a cap hit around $3 million for the 2026-27. That's noticably above the league minimum for a player who could seemingly be Minnesota's third quarterback. Former NFL QB turned-analyst Chase Daniel pointed out that's well above the average compensation for a QB3.
"Vikings aren’t giving Carson Wentz $3M to be a QB3... This will be really interesting to watch unfold through the draft," he wrote on X.
Vikings aren’t giving Carson Wentz $3M to be a QB3…
This will be really interesting to watch unfold through the draft.
If JJ’s available, there’s one obvious fit ⚡️⚡️⚡️ https://t.co/iXHqqSNwCS
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 21, 2026
Daniel hinted that a reunion between McCarthy and his former head coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers could make a lot of sense as a potential trade partner if Minnesota does move on from its young QB.
"The second Kyler signed with [Kevin O'Connell]... J.J is done there. They're not giving J.J. a chance to win it. It would surprise me, very much so— you don't sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy's days with the Vikings are done," Daniel said in a podcast clip.
If the Vikings trade McCarthy, they would have just two veteran QBs on one-year deals on the roster. That would seemingly put them in the market for a new young signal caller in next month's NFL Draft. Daniel suggests Alabama's Ty Simpson as a natural fit in O'Connell's offensive scheme.
"That's why I think you have to entertain Ty Simpson. You're not sure what Kyle is going to do; it's a one-year deal. If Ty can go to KOC... with that offense. C'mon, man," he continued.
There are a lot of dominoes that would have to fall in order for Minnesota to look at selecting a quarterback in this year's draft. With McCarthy still on the roster, it doesn't make much sense to make that move already. If the Vikings land any sort of compensation in a trade then it would become a different story.
Teams rarely pay guaranteed money to three starting-caliber quarterbacks, so it does seem notable that Wentz is set to make around $3 million in 2026-27. Minnesota's quarterback play needs to get better and they will have plenty of different options heading into next season.