Sportsnaut
J.J. McCarthy was supposed to be the Minnesota Vikings‘ starting quarterback this season, but when he went down with an ankle sprain in Week 2, questions arose. There were even some Vikings trade rumors linking the team to Minnesota’s old QB, Kirk Cousins.
Yet, with the Vikings signing Carson Wentz before their final rosters were set, Minnesota felt confident about its backup situation. They also have undrafted rookie Max Brosmer on the roster.
However, with McCarthy expected back after the team’s Week 7 bye, it’s possible the Vikings re-route Wentz to another team if he can continue making a good impression. That would give the Vikings until just after Week 9, when the NFL trade deadline occurs, to make a decision on their QB situation.
Why would the Vikings trade their backup quarterback, especially knowing how quickly he could be thrust back into the starting lineup? That’s a good question, but it’s a scenario that ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes is possible.
Graziano was asked whether a quarterback will be traded before the deadline, and he believes a deal will get done. Yet, when asked to elaborate on the topic, the very first QB that came to mind was oddly Wentz.
Sure, if the Vikings receive an offer too good to refuse, they could end up dealing Wentz. Yet, they could also opt to hold onto Wentz and play the compensatory pick game. If Wentz plays well, ends the season on the Vikings’ roster, then signs with another team in free agency this offseason, it could end up giving the Vikings an extra selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
What would get the Vikings to turn away from that plan? As mentioned, an offer they simply can’t turn down, possibly from a team desperate for improved QB play. Could that be the Bengals? Browns? It could be anyone with an injury or even just a contender looking for a better backup. Either way, the Vikings may have a tough decision to make in the next month or so.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where’s Carson Wentz?
More must-reads:
