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One Vikings QB Solution Might Be a No-Brainer
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- One Vikings QB Solution Might Be a No-Brainer
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings fans are on high alert, waiting to learn the identity of the team's "other" quarterback this offseason after the club has made it public that another passer is on the way to compete with J.J. McCarthy or serve as quality insurance. But the QB3 may already be lined up, and it's a familiar name: Carson Wentz .
A low-drama return would stabilize QB3 and free the Vikings to chase higher-ceiling upgrades elsewhere.
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ESPN's Adam Schefter let it slip last week that Wentz will likely re-sign with the purple team.
Carson Wentz as the Cleanest QB3 Answer
There are worse QB3 options.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws passes during pregame warmups before facing the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct. 19, 2025. Wentz went through routine throwing drills and timing work with receivers as Minnesota prepared its offensive approach ahead of kickoff against Philadelphia. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Wentz Expected Back in MIN
Foremost, ESPN's Peter Schrager said about Minnesota 's quarterback situation, "I think it's wide open, but I would look at Kyler , as that A. if they're doing that, this is not just a challenge, this is hey you might be taking your job, or B, a Geno Smith where it'd have to be a little gymnastics with the Raiders, but maybe that's more of the in-between. Carson Wentz will not be the backup next year going into the season."
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On the same show, Schefter replied, "Minnesota knows it has to find the right veteran quarterback to bring in to challenge JJ McCarthy, yet not really threaten him. So is that a player like a Daniel Jones , depending on what the Indianapolis Colts do with their franchise tag?"
"If it's a transition tag, then maybe the Vikings could see an opening there to step in and get something done. But I expect Carson Wentz to be back in Minnesota, but there'll be another guy."
Therefore, the 2026 QB room may look like this:
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Veteran QB Incoming
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Carson Wentz
Nobody would complain about Wentz as QB3. He's solid for that role.
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… Probably Not a QB1 or QB2
Based on how the Vikings' 2025 campaign played out — a 9-8 record but playoff-less — it doesn't make much sense to run it back with Wentz as the primary QB2 solution. And he almost certainly won't be trusted with the QB1 job.
Minnesota needs a quarterback with a higher ceiling than Wentz at this juncture of his career, but that doesn't mean there isn't a spot for him. It's just that he's likely eyeing a QB3 job. Re-upping with Wentz as QB1 or QB2 would virtually guarantee no tangible QB improvement for the Vikings in 2026, unless McCarthy totally balls out and remains healthy.
It's also worth noting that Wentz at QB3 would give the Vikings one of the NFL's deepest quarterback rooms. Wentz can be a QB2 somewhere — on a team with an established QB1. McCarthy isn't quite there yet.
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There's also this:
Wentz in 2025
With Wentz as quarterback, the Vikings' offense established a rhythm in 2025 — to an extent. In his five starts, Minnesota scored 21, 21, and 22 points in three games, then exploded for 48 against Cincinnati , before dropping to 10 in the finale against the Chargers . The Vikings exceeded 20 points in four of those five games, a mark matched in only four of McCarthy's ten starts.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass during first-half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct. 19, 2025. Wentz set his feet in the pocket and scanned downfield as Minnesota worked through early offensive possessions against Philadelphia's defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The statistics also favored Wentz over McCarthy. Among 40 quarterbacks with at least 200 plays, Wentz ranked 25th in EPA per play, while McCarthy sat at 37th, ahead of only Cam Ward , Shedeur Sanders , and Dillon Gabriel . Although McCarthy generated more explosive plays, his overall production was less consistent.
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Wentz prioritized control, relying on short passes and quick decisions, which minimized negative plays when the offensive line struggled. These offensive line blocking issues also plagued McCarthy, and the running game remained inconsistent; Aaron Jones appeared in only one of Wentz's five starts.
During that stretch, Wentz completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. His average pass distance and turnover rate were unremarkable, whereas McCarthy favored deeper throws and produced more highlight reel plays.
A Countdown to the Next QB Signing
Free agency opens in one week, and the players Minnesota might have on its radar — ones who could be released — like Kyler Murray, Geno Smith , and Tua Tagovailoa should get their official roster fates by March 11th.
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The Vikings, too, could orchestrate a trade at any time.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) crosses the goal line for a rushing touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Nov. 27, 2022. Murray used his mobility to reach the end zone during first-half action as Arizona generated early offense against the Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
It's a long way of saying that Minnesota's quarterback verdict is near. Fans won't have to wait like last year, when the club didn't do anything at QB2 until the draft, trading for Sam Howell , who flamed out four months later.
Whether it's Murray, Smith, Tagovailoa, or an older veteran like Aaron Rodgers , Derek Carr , or Kirk Cousins , the Vikings should make the quarterback addition known within a week and a half.
And all signs point to Wentz at QB3, the perfect job title for him in Minnesota.
