The Minnesota Vikings are desperately trying to improve their roster just two weeks before the 2025 NFL season. Not only are they looking to get a new wide receiver, but they are also trying out a former Pro Bowler to join JJ McCarthy and the rest of the offensive unit.
While it’s clear that McCarthy will be the starting quarterback of the team, they do need a veteran presence to be his backup. That’s why they are trying out Carson Wentz. This was first reported by Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.
Wentz shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to the Vikings playbook. After all, Kevin O’Connell, the team’s head coach, comes from the Sean McVay tree, and Wentz already played for the Rams back in 2023.
Wentz’s career hasn’t been as it was first imagined
Wentz was picked second overall in the 2016 Draft by the Eagles. He was on pace to be the NFL‘s MVP in 2017 but an injured took him out in Week 14. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl with backup Nick Foles, and since then, Wentz was never the same.
In 2021, he was traded to the Colts as the Eagles didn’t consider him a franchise quarterback anymore. He only played one season at Indianapolis. Then he was the backup in Washington, Los Angeles and last year, in Kansas City. Injuries and not being able to evolve as a signal-caller hampered an otherwise really promising career.
He could be a very good backup for McCarthy
First things first, McCarthy hasn’t played a snap in the NFL and he already has an injury history. Hence, having a somewhat good backup is very important. The Vikings has no certainty about how good or bad McCarthy will be, or if he will get injured again. Wentz is a bit wild and does not protect the ball much, but he will also roll the dice and get some plays to move the chains.
All in all, it’s a quarterback-friendly system for Wentz to be involved in. And, if needed, he can be productive with Justin Jefferson as his receiver. Whether he gets signed or not remains unknown, but he would be a good assett to have.