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Who's the Vikings backup quarterback? | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 16:01 GMT by Sporting News
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Who’s the Minnesota Vikings’ Backup Quarterback? Carson Wentz, JJ McCarthy, or Joe Burrow?

The Vikings have been scrambling to shore up their quarterback room after a turbulent season in which they saw three different signal callers in a single year. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the most consistent name in the Vikings’ playbook, but injuries, inconsistent play, and the looming threat of a 2024 salary‑cap crunch have left the franchise with a pressing question: who will be the reliable backup ready to step in if Cousins ever needs to be sidelined?

A recent Sporting News article titled “Who’s Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback: Carson Wentz, JJ McCarthy, Joe Burrow?” delves into the roster and front‑office options that the Vikings are evaluating. The piece gives readers a comprehensive look at the three most talked‑about candidates, their fit in Minnesota’s system, and the financial implications of each choice.

1. Carson Wentz – A Known Quantity with a Vikings Connection

Carson Wentz, the former Washington Football Team and New York Jets quarterback, signed a one‑year contract with the Vikings on a practice‑ squad deal in late August 2023. The 33‑year‑old, who has thrown for over 14,000 yards in his NFL career, is no stranger to the Vikings’ organization. He was previously part of the Vikings’ front office as a college scout from 2020‑2021 and has a clear understanding of the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

Wentz’s résumé is a mix of Pro‑Bowl accolades and off‑field controversies. He led the Eagles to a 14‑2 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2018, but his performance has declined since his stint with Washington. Still, Wentz’s experience in high‑pressure situations is a big draw for the Vikings. The Sporting News piece points out that Wentz’s 2021 season with the Jets was marred by a 46.1% completion rate and a 1.9 passer rating – statistics that would have to improve dramatically if he ever were to get a look‑in with the Vikings.

From a cap perspective, Wentz would be a relatively inexpensive option. As a free agent, he can be signed to a minimal contract that would keep the Vikings’ salary‑cap room intact. The article notes that Wentz’s veteran status means he can quickly transition into a backup role, filling in for Cousins in a practice‑ squad scenario or as an insurance policy on the depth chart.

2. JJ McCarthy – A Rookie With an “Iowa” Touch

The Vikings’ third‑round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, JJ McCarthy, was selected from the University of Iowa. The 23‑year‑old was one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft class, finishing his rookie season with a 66.5% completion rate and 3,000 yards on 27 touchdowns. Although he only saw limited action in Minnesota’s rookie season, the Vikings have shown faith in him by signing him to a rookie contract that runs through 2025.

McCarthy’s fit with the Vikings is perhaps the most promising. He was coached by the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, during his senior year at Iowa, where he developed a strong arm and an ability to read defenses quickly. The Sporting News article highlights McCarthy’s familiarity with the Vikings’ offensive playbook, suggesting he could slot in seamlessly as a backup if Cousins were ever unavailable. The rookie’s size—5‑10, 200 pounds—also aligns with the Vikings’ preference for a mobile quarterback who can extend plays and avoid sacks.

One of the biggest concerns for McCarthy is consistency. His rookie season was a learning curve, and he struggled in his first two starts in a 20‑38 loss to the Detroit Lions. However, the article argues that with more time, the Vikings can use McCarthy as a developmental project that may turn into a long‑term starter or a high‑value trade asset.

3. Joe Burrow – The “What‑If” Scenario

Joe Burrow is a bit of a throwaway option on this list, but the Sporting News piece spends a few paragraphs exploring a speculative “what‑if” scenario: could the Vikings trade for the Bengals star? Burrow’s 2022 season was a textbook example of a high‑performing franchise quarterback, with a 4.9 passer rating and 5,014 yards. He was a consensus MVP candidate, but the Bengals are still fighting for a playoff berth and are unlikely to part with him.

The article emphasizes the financial hurdles of acquiring Burrow. At $28.4 million in 2023, a trade would require the Vikings to give up significant draft capital and cap space. Moreover, the Vikings would be looking at a veteran who already has a large contract in place. “It’s a no‑brainer for the Vikings, but it’s not a realistic scenario,” the piece notes, quoting a Vikings front‑office source who said, “We’re looking for a backup, not a franchise quarterback.” In short, Burrow is more a headline‑grabber than a practical option.

What the Vikings’ Depth Chart Looks Like Right Now

The article lays out the current depth chart for the Vikings: - Kirk Cousins remains the clear starter. - Carson Wentz sits at the top of the backup list as a veteran arm who can step in immediately. - JJ McCarthy follows as the long‑term developmental backup, offering upside if the team wants to build from the inside. - Joe Burrow sits as a far‑off “plan B” that the Vikings would only entertain if a trade becomes feasible.

The Vikings are still in a tough spot, however. In the 2023 season, Cousins started 15 games, but the team was hampered by a series of injuries. The Sporting News piece notes that the Vikings have had a quarterback change three times in 2022, underscoring how volatile the position has become.

Conclusion

The Sporting News article presents a balanced view of the Vikings’ backup quarterback situation. Carson Wentz brings experience and minimal cost, JJ McCarthy offers a developmental path with a strong fit in the Vikings’ system, and Joe Burrow is a hypothetical “plan C” that is unlikely to come to fruition. The Vikings’ front office must weigh these options against their long‑term strategic goals and cap constraints. Whatever decision they make, the franchise is clear that they need a reliable backup to keep Cousins healthy and ready to lead the team toward a playoff run. As the Vikings’ season unfolds, only time will tell which of these three candidates will ultimately hold the reins when the next opportunity arises.