Vikings give Carson Wentz another shot after Chiefs closed the door

The Kansas City Chiefs made it clear that Carson Wentz wasn't going to return for a second season at Arrowhead this offseason, but it took some time for the veteran QB to find a new home.

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings became Wentz's new home after bringing him in for a workout over the weekend before roster cuts were due.

The Chiefs clarified Wentz's playing future in the NFL after coming to terms with two other quarterbacks early in free agency. It was a decisive play for the Chiefs, who have waited a bit longer into free agency in the past to address the position, but at least it gave Wentz the knowledge that he would have to search for a new home.

Carson Wentz has found a new home with the Vikings for 2025.

Wentz joined the Chiefs last April as the replacement for journeyman quarterback Blaine Gabbert who was also one-and-done in K.C. after backing up Patrick Mahomes for the 2022 campaign. Gabbert was the first of in-and-out vets to fill the role after Chad Henne retired following several seasons as QB2 for the Chiefs.

Sam Bradford, who started for the Vikings last year, is now in Seattle, which means the starting role belongs to J.J. McCarthy, the team's first-round pick in 2024. The team tried to rely on Sam Howell to be a backup, but his preseason performance was lackluster. Backup Max Brosmer is an undrafted free agent who needs more time.

As for the Chiefs, they turned to Gardner Minshew to be the team's backup quarterback after signing him away from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Minshew signed a one-year agreement, so he might follow Wentz and Gabbert with a short-term stint as well. The Chiefs also brought back Bailey Zappe to the roster, but he's flamed out with a miserable preseason showing.

Wentz brings a career record of 47-46-1 as a starting quarterback with him to Vikings. He had limited action last year for the Chiefs, with only 19 passing attempts to his name in two games on the year, largely in Week 18 as Andy Reid rested most of his starters. That follows a single game's worth of experience with the L.A. Rams the year before.

Together it means that it's hard to tell what Wentz would have to offer Minnesota if he were called on for a longer stretch as a starter in 2025.