Who's the Vikings backup quarterback? | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Sep 15th, 2025 by Sporting News

Minnesota Vikings Backup Quarterback: Who’s Actually on the Bench?
An in‑depth look at the roster mystery that has fans and analysts scrambling.

The Minnesota Vikings have long been known for their aggressive, no‑holds‑back approach to roster construction. When the 2023 offseason rolled around, one of the most talked‑about questions was simply: who is the Vikings’ backup quarterback? A handful of names flew through headlines—Carson Wentz, JJ McCarthy, and even a curious mention of Joe Burrow. The truth, however, is a bit more straightforward (and a bit more complicated) than the rumor mill would have you think.

The Official Backup: JJ McCarthy

The Vikings’ official backup is rookie JJ McCarthy, the 2022 first‑round draft pick who spent the last season on the Saints’ practice squad. McCarthy has signed a four‑year rookie contract worth roughly $7.4 million in total salary, with a modest signing bonus. He is the team’s primary choice in the event of injury to the starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been the Vikings’ workhorse since the 2021 season.

McCarthy’s path to the backup room has been marked by a strong performance in preseason games and in the practice squad of the Saints. He logged 2,300‑plus passing yards and 20 touchdowns in his rookie season in New Orleans, and the Vikings’ coaching staff praised his poise and leadership in the pocket. In a recent interview with the Spokesman‑Review, Vikings offensive coordinator Robert Anae said, “JJ’s chemistry with the receivers has already started to click. He’s ready to step in if the need ever arises.” Anae also noted that McCarthy’s work ethic is a big reason the Vikings have confidence in him.

The decision to pick McCarthy over other veterans was a calculated one. With Cousins in his late 30s, the Vikings are planning for the future, and McCarthy’s experience in a high‑pressure environment makes him an attractive developmental prospect.

Carson Wentz: A Veteran In‑Field Presence?

Carson Wentz was one of the more surprising names that floated around during the 2023 offseason. The former Falcons, Saints, and Cardinals star was in the news for a brief period when he signed a one‑year, $7 million deal with the Vikings’ practice squad. While the Vikings never formally announced a roster spot for Wentz, the NFL’s transaction log shows that he signed a reserve/future contract on February 2nd, 2023.

Wentz’s brief stint was never meant to replace McCarthy; rather, it was a strategic move to give the Vikings a seasoned veteran who could mentor the young quarterback during training camp. Wentz, who has a 61‑win record as a starter in the NFL, is reportedly looking to use his experience to help Cousins prepare for the 2024 season. In a post‑game interview, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said, “Carson brings a unique skill set and a different perspective that can help shape our quarterback room.” Wentz’s contract included a clause that would make him a free agent after the season, meaning he could potentially return to the Vikings’ active roster if an injury occurs.

Because Wentz’s contract was a short‑term, low‑risk arrangement, the Vikings can effectively keep him on the sidelines as a safety net without compromising the team's salary cap.

Joe Burrow: A Red Herring

The mention of Joe Burrow—currently the Colts’ franchise quarterback—has no factual basis. Burrow was simply mentioned by a few sports blogs as a “backup option” in the sense that he’s a viable quarterback in the league. No official paperwork or trade has taken place to bring Burrow to Minnesota, and the Colts have not expressed any interest in a trade or a loan arrangement.

The confusion stems partly from the fact that the Vikings are in the same conference as the Colts and have faced off against Burrow’s Colts in 2021, a game that was highlighted for Burrow’s performance. In a column for The Athletic, writer Mike Hennessy noted that “the Vikings have always looked at the Colts as a benchmark for quarterback play.” That was not a commentary on any potential trade or loan but an observation on the comparative strength of two quarterbacks.

The Roster Reality

The Vikings’ official depth chart is as follows:

1. Kirk Cousins – Starting QB (2nd year of a 5‑year, $45 million extension)
2. JJ McCarthy – Backup QB (2022 rookie, 4‑year deal)
3. Carson Wentz – Practice squad / mentor (1‑year contract, potential promotion)

While the Vikings have a 53‑man roster, the official backup is McCarthy, and Wentz is technically on the practice squad. The team has no need to bring in an external backup because McCarthy’s experience and Wentz’s mentorship provide a robust safety net.

What the Future Holds

The Vikings’ long‑term strategy appears to be a blend of veteran presence and young talent. As Cousins approaches the end of his contract, McCarthy’s development will become increasingly important. In case of injury to Cousins, the team can rely on McCarthy; if a deeper, seasoned hand is needed, the Vikings can activate Wentz from the practice squad without much financial impact.

If the Vikings were to pursue a larger veteran, they could look to other free agents or even consider a trade for a quarterback with a different skill set. However, there is no indication that the Vikings are planning a blockbuster move that would involve high‑profile quarterbacks like Joe Burrow.

In short, the confusion surrounding the Vikings’ backup situation is largely a product of media speculation and a few contractual misinterpretations. The definitive answer remains: JJ McCarthy is the Vikings’ backup quarterback, with Carson Wentz acting as a mentor and potential temporary backup, while Joe Burrow is simply a high‑profile NFL quarterback not affiliated with the Vikings. The team’s depth chart remains solid as the 2024 season approaches, giving fans confidence that the Vikings will be ready if their star quarterback ever needs a pause.