The Minnesota Vikings quarterback room underwent rapid changes after the third preseason game. Suddenly, the depth behind J.J. McCarthy has become very interesting.
So, how did we get here?
During a preseason marked by numerous rumors and speculation about McCarthy’s readiness to start, and who would be his backup, the Vikings signed Sam Howell.
After the draft, Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer signed with the pro team just three miles away to continue his football career. Following rookie camp, OTAs, training camps, and three weeks of preseason football, the job for JJ’s backup seemed to have a clear winner.
Brosmer outplayed Howell and Brett Rypien. However, the Vikings moved quickly to add a veteran behind McCarthy, a first-year starter.
The Vikings traded Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Carson Wentz, a veteran backup and former MVP candidate, to be McCarthy’s backup, while keeping Brosmer and releasing Rypien.
Even with Wentz in the fold, we must consider what we’ve seen in Brosmer. Wentz will start the season as McCarthy’s backup, but Brosmer has an opportunity to become the team’s long-term QB2.
Injury history
Wentz has an extensive injury history that includes a concussion, a broken wrist, a broken finger, and two knee injuries. Wentz suffered both of those knee injuries during his All-Star season in 2017, allowing Nick Foles to take over under center and guide the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory.
On the other hand, Brosmer has mostly remained healthy. The only exception was an ACL tear that occurred in training camp with New Hampshire in 2021.
The rookie hasn’t missed much time due to injuries in college, and he’s also eight years younger than Wentz. Brosmer, 24, also hasn’t played in the NFL for nine years, where players often suffer injuries against bigger, faster, and stronger opponents. Some injuries are also outlier incidents, like Teddy Bridgewater’s career-altering knee injury in 2016.
Minnesota will want the veteran Wentz to take over if McCarthy goes down again. Still, Brosmer could see playing time if McCarthy gets injured early in the season
2025 Preseason
Throughout the preseason, Brosmer outplayed Howell, who started 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023.
Howell was far and away the favorite to be Minnesota’s backup entering camp. Still, he played his way out of that spot after a lackluster performance in the second preseason game, going 1-5 with an interception. He didn’t play in the final preseason game.
On the other hand, Brosmer proved himself all preseason long, ending on a high note, going 15 of 23 passing with 161 yards and a score against the Tennessee Titans. He played in all three contests and had a better QBR than Howell in every game.
Meanwhile, Wentz has spent the entire offseason and preseason as a free agent, waiting for a team to sign him.
Even though he’s a veteran, Wentz may need time to ramp up physically and study Kevin O’Connell’s offense. After seeing what Brosmer can do, it would make sense to give the younger player at least an outside chance of being the backup.
Experience
Ultimately, Brosmer’s lack of NFL experience is the primary reason he’ll start the season as the third-string quarterback. As a veteran, Wentz should be able to process information more quickly on the field and have a better mastery of the offense.
Wentz also played in Sean McVay’s offense with the Los Angeles Rams two years ago and under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs.
At age 32, Wentz has more knowledge of the game and the speed at which it is played. He has an understanding of what to look for when trying to read NFL defenses, rather than only college defenses.
Wentz does seem like the hands-down favorite to be the backup QB. Don’t count Brosmer out, though. He has been one of Kevin O’Connell’s favorites since KOC first saw the young gun slinger at the 2024 pro day.
Brosmer proved he could beat out one former starter. Who’s to say he couldn’t do it again?