Vikings Name Carson Wentz QB2, J.J. McCarthy QB3

The Vikings split first-team quarterback reps between McCarthy and Kyler Murray through the spring and well into training camp, but it ended up being the veteran acquisition who got the starting nod. McCarthy was then engaged in a battle for the QB2 job with Wentz, and while the third-year player initially seemed to be the favorite, he’s now been relegated to the bottom of the depth chart.

The demotions have led to some natural speculation about McCarthy’s future in Minnesota. The QB has communicated that he’d like to stick with the organization that made him the 10th-overall pick in the 2024 draft, and general manager Nolan Teasley recently gave the young signal caller a vote of confidence. Still, McCarthy now has work to do to reestablish himself as the future of the offense, especially with a fifth-year option decision looming next offseason.

McCarthy hasn’t had much luck on the injury front, including a torn meniscus that sidelined him for his entire rookie campaign. However, he’s been relatively underwhelming when he’s been on the field. The Michigan product garnered 10 starts last year, and while the Vikings went 6-4 in those games, McCarthy only completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

The recent backup QB decision would have been a bit more damning if Wentz was simply added off the street, but he was with the Vikings during the 2025 campaign. After joining the franchise late last summer, the veteran ended up serving as Minnesota’s starter in Week 3 while filling in for an injured McCarthy. The 33-year-old played through an injured shoulder before ultimately undergoing season-ending surgery after five starts.

Wentz has only started 17 games since the 2022 campaign but provides more certainty than his younger counterpart. If Murray gets hurt or disappoints, the team can help maintain the status quo for several weeks with the veteran under center. However, if the team falls out of contention, it wouldn’t be shocking if the staff gives one last look at McCarthy before the 2026 campaign is through.