Carson Wentz Breaks Silence After Joining Vikings Amid Lingering Question

The Minnesota Vikings introduced Carson Wentz to the local media on Thursday, and the veteran quarterback made his sentiments about joining his “hometown” team quite clear.

Wentz was born in North Carolina, and he went to high school and attended college in North Dakota. That latter part is key, with many in the area claiming Vikings fandom without an in-state team to cheer for.

Wentz is among that group.

Carson Wentz Reflects Fondly on Childhood Vikings Fandom

“You walk down the halls, and see [pictures of] all the guys you grew up cheering for,” Wentz told reporters, per Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling on August 28. “It’s definitely cool to be back.”

Wentz called the entire situation “a whirlwind,” per Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller.

Wentz, 32, arrives after spending the 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs following stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders. He was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Vikings brought Wentz in to address their backup quarterback concerns behind starter J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024 who missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus.

However, Wentz did not address why he was available at this point in the offseason.

“Wentz said he didn’t want to talk details of why he didn’t sign with a team this spring, or during camp, but said he was very confident that he would get a job this season,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported on X on August 28.

At any rate, the Vikings are surely happy that Wentz was available to them, with the 2025 regular season starting for Minnesota in just over one week against the Chicago Bears.

Vikings HC Kevon O’Connell Endorses Carson Wentz

Wentz’s arrival is a clear endorsement from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, but even more from head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has been supportive of McCarthy and the team’s other passers this offseason.

Still, O’Connell spoke highly of Wentz during his presser alongside Adofo-Mensah.

“Carson is a guy who has played a lot of football, O’Connell said, per KVRR’s Ryan Rowlin on X on August 28. “He’s been exposed to some really good systems.

Wentz notably played for the Los Angeles Rams under O’Connell’s former boss, head coach Sean McVay. O’Connell was McVay’s offensive coordinator during the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, taking his post as the Vikings’ HC the ensuing offseason.

Wentz, who has earned $131.9 million in his career, is on a minimum contract.

If all goes well, Wentz will not see the field for the Vikings this season, and not just because of McCarthy, but also rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer.

Wentz, who is 47-46-1 as a starter, is a true dart throw for the Vikings, joining the team at such a late stage. Still, O’Connell believes “the experience of a guy who was drafted high and had a  lot of success throughout his career, it bodes well for J.J. and Max.”

Brosmer beat out veterans Brett Rypien and Sam Howell for a roster spot.

Both Brosmer and Wentz will operate behind McCarthy, on whom the Vikings’ present and future hinge.