J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
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J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game against the New England Patriots.
Despite relative inexperience that belies a former first-round pick entering his second season, J.J. McCarthy will open the 2025 campaign as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter. However, how long McCarthy can fend off new teammate Carson Wentz is the key.
The Vikings are all in on McCarthy, even limiting how far they were willing to go to retain or pursue more experienced passers to compete with him this offseason and in training camp.
Wentz is not a typical backup, though, and his joining the Vikings is a notice for McCarthy.
Makes total sense for all sides. Wentz is from the Midwest and grew up a Vikings fan. Offers a big arm and tons of experience. Can relate to J.J. McCarthy as a top pick returning from injury. Said before the Super Bowl he's at "peace" in any role at this stage of his career. https://t.co/j3XGl8tTOG
— Cody Benjamin (@CodyJBenjamin) August 23, 2025
Wentz, who turns 33 in December, was the No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 draft. He has a Pro Bowl under his belt and was having an MVP-caliber season when he suffered a career-altering knee injury in 2017, when the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl.
After a journey that took him to the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders before spending 2024 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Wentz now joins McCarthy and the Vikings.
McCarthy has been under the microscope this summer, and the Vikings’ move will not help that.
Vikings Need J.J. McCarthy to Succeed
J.J. McCarthy, Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell talk before a game against the Houston Texans.
Wentz could assume control from McCarthy and still lead the Vikings to the playoffs, and maybe even the Super Bowl. That is how talented many believe their roster is, which is why the Vikings need McCarthy to be the quarterback they believe he is.
The rest of the group is built to win now, but they will not go far without plus-quarterback play.
Wentz has shown he can deliver that, albeit not consistently, as his current journeyman status reflects.
The Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Eagles. Journeyman Brett Rypien (2-2 as a starter in seven seasons) and rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer are their only other quarterbacks, hence the need for Wentz.
Carson Wentz has been one-and-done at each of his past 4 stops. Vikings are his 6th team in 6 seasons. Did not go to training camp with a team this summer. When you get to the end of camp and don't like your QBs, this is where you have to go. No judgment. Just facts. pic.twitter.com/hewSbqU7JF
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 24, 2025
McCarthy is the Vikings’ present at the position, though.
And after Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded up to select him with the blessing of head coach Kevin O’Connell, a lot is riding on the 22-year-old’s right arm and mental makeup in 2025.
If McCarthy fails, the Vikings could be forced to return to the drawing board on many levels.
Carson Wentz Could Get to Live Out Key Scenario
Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
GettyNick Foles #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars greets Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wentz is joining the Vikings in a mentorship role behind McCarthy. But that notably sets Wentz up to live out a scenario similar to what he experienced in 2017. Wentz has said before that, if he had the opportunity, he would switch careers with Nick Foles, who led those Eagles to glory.
Foles was originally a third-round pick by the Eagles in 2012, and his path led him to the then-St. Louis Rams, whose Vikings ties should aid Wentz, and the Chiefs, before returning to Philly.
Wentz told 94WIP’s Eliot Shorr-Parks in February that he still keeps in touch with Foles, who initially signed as the then-second-year QB’s backup and mentor. Foles was younger than Wentz is as he joins the Vikings, which further aids the view of him as a tutor for McCarthy.
Still, Wentz and the Vikings have seemed like a match since his days at North Dakota State.
It will likely take a disastrous showing from McCarthy or, even more, an injury to the young QB for Wentz to take over, just as it was for Foles, and that would be the worst news for the Vikings.