Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
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(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a three-way QB battle with Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, and J.J. McCarthy vying for the starting job. Moreover, the competition will also determine the rest of the depth chart behind QB1.
After re-signing Wentz, who played a few games in 2025 before suffering his season-ending shoulder injury,former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber put out his QB depth chart for the team on March 19. To the surprise of many, he had Wentz at the top over Murray and McCarthy.
Nonetheless, he did catch heat for it, butduring his appearance on KFAN on March 23, Leber doubled down on this stance, noting that the Vikings’ offense would look better with Wentz. However, Leber noted that he expects Murray to be the starter in Week 1.
“Carson, to me, barring any sort of injury, and I think that we all were sort of wowed by his three weeks coming into this team and then having to take over the team and, like, ‘Damn, this guy can actually kind of sling it.'” Leber said. “He can actually play. Our offense is actually kind of efficient. [The Vikings were] moving the ball. We’re much more explosive. We’re getting the ball down the field.
“The whole offense is opened up. We don’t have to negate middle-of-the-field throws because J.J. McCarthy can’t make those. We can use the whole field with Carson Wentz. So, as of today, mid-March, I think Carson Wentz is a better fit for this offense. Do I think Kyler Murray is going to win out? Yes. Yes, I do think that on opening day it’s going to be Kyler Murray.”
Vikings Should See QB Battle as True Competition
Murray arrived in Minnesota after being cut by the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, he’s looking for a fresh start with the Vikings and likely wants to be head coach Kevin O’Connell’s next success story after working with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones.
Nonetheless, Leber believes that with how little the Vikings are paying all three QBs, the team needs to go with the best player who shows out during OTAs, minicamp, training camp, and the preseason.
“It has to be a true competition,” Leber added. “And I do not think, especially with the money that you’re paying these quarterbacks, that you have to anoint anybody, right? If Carson ends up being the best quarterback through OTAs, minicamp, and the early parts of training camp, I think you play the guy. You start him if he’s truly winning a competition.
“I know a lot of people would get upset if Kyler was the backup quarterback to start the season, but I would completely understand if we’re watching minicamp and training camp and see that this guy is good when he can scramble, but he can’t stay within the offense.”
DeAndre Hopkins Would Like to Reunite With Kyler Murray
One way the Vikings could help Murray is by considering pursuing a wideout that the veteran is familiar with. Speaking to TMZ Sports, DeAndre Hopkins said he would like to reunite with Murray, whom he played with during his time with theArizona Cardinals.
“Kyler … that’s my bro, man. Kyler is like family,”Hopkins said in a TMZ article published on March 22. “Whatever I can do for someone like that — if Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there.”
The 33-year-old spent last season with theBaltimore Ravens, recording 22 receptions for 330 receiving yards, averaging 15.0 yards per reception, and two touchdowns.