5 Predictions for the Vikings Backup QB

By Dustin Baker

·April 6, 2025

Oct 17, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and offensive guard Ronald Leary (65) walk off the the field in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports.

If the Minnesota Vikings’ season started this weekend, veteran Brett Rypien would occupy the backup quarterback role, though most don’t expect that to stand through the rest of the offseason.

5 Predictions for the Vikings Backup QB

Minnesota is expected to sign a QB2 before too long, probably after the NFL draft, when a newcomer won’t mess up the precious compensatory draft pick formula in 2026. Otherwise, the Vikings could sign a player today like Ryan Tannehill — he didn’t play last year — or Aaron Rodgers, who was released this offseason. Those men won’t affect the compensatory draft pick formula.

It’s also unlikely for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to use the draft for J.J. McCarthy’s backup; most assume the team will want a veteran presence.

So, we asked a handful of Vikings fans for their backup quarterback positions — which man will hold the QB2 title in Week 1 this September?

These are their predictions.

1. Will Levis

Prediction Maker: Tadd | @STD7Cubs

Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) waits to take the field against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

It sure seems like the Titans are ready to move on, and a year with Kevin O’Connell could be mutually beneficial.

2. Gardner Minshew

Prediction Maker: Ivan, Czar of Bohunks

Oct 6, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws a pass against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Garner Minshew cause mullet.

3. Kirk Cousins

Prediction Maker: Chris | @Skol227

Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Cousins is not playing due to injury. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

I have a weird feeling that somehow Cousins comes back as the backup, or J.J. McCarthy is the backup, and they do the worst thing possible and get Aaron Rodgers.

t4. Ryan Tannehill

Preidction Maker: Skol Tom | @SKOLfro m WI

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback R. Tannehill (17) looks down the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Tannehill will be the Vikings’ QB2 to start the season. He’s an experienced quarterback who can help mentor (if he’s in the mood) and could step in if J.J. McCarthy were to go down at some point without tanking all hope for the season. He should come at a price point agreeable to everyone involved, too.