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The Minnesota Vikings have announced that Carson Wentz will serve as the backup quarterback to Kyler Murray for the upcoming NFL season. Head coach Kevin O'Connell cited Wentz's veteran experience as a key factor in the decision. Meanwhile, JJ McCarthy, once considered a potential franchise quarterback, has been relegated to the third spot on the depth chart.
This announcement comes as the Vikings finalize their roster for the 2026 season. According to a report by Muffed.ai, the team initially kept four quarterbacks, including Max Brosmer, on their 53-man roster. However, it is expected that the team will not maintain all four quarterbacks for long, with either a waiver for Brosmer or a trade for McCarthy anticipated.
McCarthy, who was the starter in 2025, has faced challenges recently, including an ankle injury that limited his practice time. Despite these setbacks, O'Connell expressed his commitment to developing McCarthy further. Bring Me The Sports reported that McCarthy's demotion to third string has been a significant shift from his previous standing within the team.
As the Vikings prepare for their season opener against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday (September 13), the focus remains on ensuring stability and performance in the quarterback position. The decision to place Wentz as the backup reflects the team's strategy to leverage experience while continuing to nurture young talent like McCarthy.