Our 5 Predictions for the Vikings QB2 in 2025

Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) stands on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images.

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

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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

Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.

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

Oct 24, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Case Keenum (8) throws during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.

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

Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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

vikings qb2
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback J. Flacco (15) walks off the field during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images.

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 Flacco Theory
Oct 17, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback J. Flacco (5) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports.

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

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) calls out to his team against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

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

Theory Even Linked
Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws the ball during the first quarter in a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports.

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

Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) passes the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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

Dec 16 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback J. Flacco (5) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports.

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.