Perhaps that showing, plus the struggles of fellow backup Brett Rypien and inexperience of undrafted free agent Max Brosmer, led the Vikings to explore other options behind second-year QB in J.J. McCarthy, who has never started an NFL game.
They hosted Wentz for a visit and then signed him, bringing in the nine-year veteran who began his career with the Eagles and also played for the Commanders alongside Howell in 2022.
Wentz, 32, has made 94 starts (98 games played) with 22,410 passing yards, 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. An MVP candidate early on in his career before an injury cut short his best season in Philly, he recently served as a backup to Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs in 2024.
Like Howell, he’s been around of late — the Vikings mark his sixth team in six years — but he’s as sure a hand as any available at this point to play behind McCarthy. Plus, his veteran know-how could also be valuable to McCarthy’s continued development.
In the grand scheme, prospects for both teams remain exactly the same: The Eagles are hoping Hurts can lead a successful Super Bowl defense and the Vikings want to see McCarthy live up to their every expectation.
Still, the backup quarterback situation, so often underappreciated, is vital to get right.
Both squads believe they’ve made a move to do so Sunday. It’s all a part of the necessary roster shuffle as Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline nears.
