Quarterback Carson Wentz conducting workout sessions with the Minnesota Vikings: Reasoning behind the fitting backup for J.J. McCarthy's protective strategy

The Minnesota Vikings are set to host Carson Wentz for a free agent workout, as the veteran quarterback looks to find a new team after spending the back half of 2023 learning under Rams coach Sean McVay, who is now the Vikings' head coach.

Wentz, a journeyman quarterback, has extensive starting experience, appearing in close to 100 games throughout his nine-year NFL career. His unteachable size (6-5, 237) and starting-caliber arm talent make him an attractive option for many teams.

Wentz has been increasingly selective about his backup opportunities in recent years, but the opportunity with the Vikings feels destined. This is partly due to the connection between Wentz and Vikings' offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell, who both worked together under McVay in Los Angeles.

Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown previously shared a room with Wentz in 2019, when the former served as Wentz's backup. O'Connell has a reputation for maximizing the signal-callers at his disposal, even those whose own reputations have taken a hit.

In the Minnesota Vikings' preseason, Sam Howell put the ball in harm's way and was generally outperformed by undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. The former Washington Commanders starter, acquired via trade with the Seattle Seahawks as a would-be No. 2, flashed a lively arm in training camp but his energy didn't translate to steadiness.

The Vikings are not satisfied with the current insurance behind first-time starter J.J. McCarthy, 22, who is locked in as the starter in Minnesota after an uneven but promising summer.

Carson Wentz told an expert before Super Bowl LIX this February that he's at "peace" in basically any role at this stage of his career. This sentiment was evident in his performance for the Rams in 2023, where he scored three total touchdowns while starting for the team.

Despite a lack of information about which team Wentz offered for a friendly training session after finishing his preseason games in 2025, the Minnesota Vikings' workout could be a significant step towards finding a new home for the veteran quarterback.