The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up a 14-3 regular season that ended with a road loss to the NFC North champion Detroit Lions, costing them the top overall seed. The defeat was partly due to subpar quarterback play from starter Sam Darnold. As the team prepares to integrate a healthy JJ McCarthy into the 2025 quarterback competition, NFL analysts have begun speculating about Darnold’s future and whether he will be replaced this offseason.
One potential candidate to step in is Carson Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick known for his strong arm and underrated athleticism. According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Wentz, now a free agent after a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, could be a viable option if the Vikings move on from Darnold.
“If Jones doesn’t get a starting shot elsewhere, I think he’ll return to the Vikings as a potential stopgap until McCarthy is ready,” Rosenblatt wrote. “But if not him, I still anticipate the Vikings adding a playable veteran at the position,” he added, mentioning Wentz and former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as possible options. “I went with Wentz because, to me, he fits the Darnold mold of a former highly drafted quarterback seeking redemption.”
Wentz saw limited action with the Chiefs last season, throwing for 118 yards. His last full season as a starter came in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts, where he passed for over 3,500 yards.
