Insiders laud the Vikings' QB room bolstered by Wentz, praising his potential impact alongside Murray and McCarthy for a playoff push.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback room is solidifying after seeing questions over the position. Now, the position group looks primed for an NFL playoff caliber season in 2026.
After locking in a franchise quarterback talent in Kyler Murray, the Vikings added Carson Wentz to their squad for another year. The move means a second season of Wentz in Minnesota where he exceeded expectations in relief of an injured J.J. McCarthy last season.
Ian Rapoport took to social media to discuss the move.
"The #Vikings are adding QB depth, signing Carson Wentz to a 1-year deal, per The Insiders.
Despite significant injury last year, Wentz started five games and kept the team alive. Now, back with JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray."
Rapoport was not the only insider with thoughts on the move. Alec Lewis of The Athletic took to X to share his thoughts on the addition.
"Carson Wentz, back in Minnesota. The Vikings have rounded out the QB room the way they wanted to. Wentz had a lot of fans internally — many believed they might’ve snuck in playoffs had he stayed healthy."
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero echoed the sentiment.
"Minnesota’s QB room now features three former top-10 picks: Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Wentz, who played well last season before a shoulder injury.
The Vikings went 9-8 last season and probably make the playoffs if Carson Wentz doesn't get hurt, forcing undrafted rookie Max Brosmer into action. This time, they have Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Wentz in one of the NFL's most fascinating QB rooms."
The optimism regarding the addition of Wentz may come off as revisionist history given how the season turned out for the Vikings last season. The Vikings backup was not perfect last season going for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion percentage of 65.1% through five games. Even so, Wentz had a far more productive season than McCarthy at their best.
While McCarthy never eclipsed 250 yards in 10 appearances during the 2025 season, Wentz did so twice in his five games. The veteran quarterback went 30 for 46 for 350 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers and 26 for 42 for 313 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles, both NFL playoff teams last year. In contrast, McCarthy threw for more than 200 yards just twice in his ten games with the Vikings last season.
It's uncertain where Wentz will tier in the Vikings' depth chart. It's clear he was the better quarterback and more ready for Minnesota's opponents last season, but the Vikings have plenty invested in McCarthy despite appearing to pivot from the former first round pick to Kyler Murray.
What is clear is the Vikings will have plenty of talent in a quarterback room with three former Top 10 picks. They will look to leverage that advantage to a playoff appearance in 2026.