Carson Wentz returns to the Vikings
EAGAN, Minn. (KVRR)— The Minnesota Vikings are adding even more experience to their quarterback room.
On Thursday, the team announced it has agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who returns to Minnesota after making five starts for the club last season. Reports say it is a 1-year deal.
The move comes one week after the Vikings added former No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray, in free agency.
Wentz, 33, went 2-3 as a starter in 2025 while filling in for 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy before his season ended due to shoulder surgery. In that stretch from Weeks 3 through 8, Wentz completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 1,216 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions, finishing with an 85.8 passer rating.
With Wentz back in the mix, Minnesota now has a unique quarterback room featuring three players who were selected in the top 10 of their respective NFL Drafts. Wentz was the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, Murray was selected No. 1 overall in 2019, and McCarthy went in the top 10 in 2024. The group is rounded out by former University of Minnesota standout Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent in 2025.
Across a 10-year NFL career, Wentz has started 99 games and holds a 49-49-1 record, throwing 159 touchdowns to 72 interceptions with a career passer rating of 89.1.
In his first start at U.S. Bank Stadium, Wentz led the Vikings to a dominant 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals while playing efficient, mistake-free football.
He also delivered a clutch performance in Week 5 in London against Cleveland, finding wide receiver Jordan Addison for the go-ahead touchdown with just 25 seconds remaining. Wentz threw for 236 yards in the victory without committing a turnover.
Wentz continued to produce even as injuries mounted. He threw for 350 yards in a narrow loss to Pittsburgh in Ireland and helped the Vikings push the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the brink at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The veteran first injured his shoulder against Cleveland but finished the game and played through significant pain in the following weeks, wearing a bulky shoulder brace in matchups against Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Chargers before eventually undergoing season-ending surgery.
The 2026 season marks the first time Wentz has returned to a team since his five-year run as the franchise quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, he has had stints as a starter with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders, followed by backup roles with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs before arriving in Minnesota last season.
Wentz was not part of the Vikings offseason program in 2025 after signing late in August, but he quickly connected with fans. A lifelong Vikings supporter growing up, he earned respect inside the locker room and from the fan base for his toughness and competitiveness.
Together, Minnesota’s four quarterbacks have started a combined 198 games and hold a 94-102-2 record. The experience level is a major shift from this time last year, when McCarthy and Brett Rypien were the only quarterbacks in the room with starting experience.
Now, the Vikings head into the 2026 season with depth, competition and a veteran presence under center.
Wentz starred at North Dakota State (2011-16) prior to his time in the NFL. During his time with the Bison, he helped lead the program to multiple FCS National Championships.
