Our 5 Predictions for the Vikings QB2 in 2025
The Minnesota Vikings curiously have no backup quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy besides Brett Rypien, who most expect to earn the QB3 job.
Our 5 Predictions for the Vikings QB2 in 2025
NFL free agency is two weeks old, so it’s a bit strange that Minnesota has no non-Rypien alternative. Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks), Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts), and Nick Mullens (Jacksonville Jaguars) left for new teams.
So, we asked all VikingsTerritory writers to predict the QB2’s identity by the time Week 1 rolls around.
These are their responses.
1. Carson Wentz
Prediction Maker: Cole Smith
The former No. 2 overall pick spent a season with the Chiefs, possibly giving the Vikings reason to believe he’s following a similar path to Quarterback Renaissance as Sam Darnold did in 2023 before landing in Minnesota.
2. Ryan Tannehill
Prediction Maker: Kyle Joudry
A veteran who won’t count toward the comp pick formula. Pretty tidy career completion percentage — Kevin O’Connell loves accuracy and brains in his quarterbacks — and some playoff experience (tip of the cap to Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling for the intel).
It will be Tannehill.
3. Case Keenum
Prediction Maker: Dustin Baker
Kevin O’Connell and Case Keenum worked together for the Washington Commanders in 2019. Perhaps Minnesota is waiting on a clean bill of health from Keenum, who just so happens to be an architect of one of the greatest moments in Vikings history.
The Joe Flacco angle makes sense, but why hasn’t Minnesota signed him?
Let’s go against the grain and predict the reunion angle with Keenum due to his O’Connellian ties six years ago.
4. Drew Lock
Prediction Maker: Adam New
Drew Lock will be the latest quarterback to come to Minnesota in search of some of Kevin O’Connell’s magic dust. Lock has enough about him that the Vikings can still win if he’s needed for a game or two this season.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Henrique Gucciardi
The Vikings already missed a couple of good backup options, like Jacoby Brissett. Flacco’s experience would be of tremendous value, and he recently showed that he can still keep the boat afloat if needed.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings don’t need a distraction, which could be breathing down J.J.’s neck, and Flacco won’t be. Flacco comes in on a cheap deal, holds the clipboard, and can win some games if forced into action.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Ali Siddiqui
He’d be the right mentor for JJ McCarthy, and if he ever has to set foot on the field, his former center and right guard from the Colts are here.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Wes Johnson
Minnesota is likely looking for a veteran to help back up J.J. McCarthy, and Flacco fits that bill and more. This signing will not occur until after the draft, when the deal will not negatively impact the compensatory pick formula. The Vikings, still having around $30M in space, will be able to reward handsomely he who is willing to wait. That’s Flacco.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Josh Frey
The Vikings need a veteran presence in their quarterback room to help bring along their soon-to-be starter, J.J. McCarthy. Joe Flacco is a Super Bowl champion who has shone under the brightest lights. He would be a perfect backup for McCarthy as he goes into the twilight of his career while certainly capable of being a “Plan B” starting option if things go awry.
t5. Joe Flacco
Prediction Maker: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings need a veteran presence next to first-year starter J.J. McCarthy, and Joe Flacco can be that. The man from Kevin O’Connell’s draft class has played a ton of football and can still play if needed for one reason or another.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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