Vikings QB2? They Need One. These Are the Options.
The Minnesota Vikings have just over one week of free agency in the books, and the team has totally changed — for the better.
Vikings QB2? They Need One. These Are the Options.
The franchise has emphasized the trenches — after fans have asked for it ad nauseam — adding players like Will Fries (G), Ryan Kelly (C), Jonathan Allen (DT), and Javon Hargrave (DT).
But the club also needs a QB2 at some point to support soon-to-be starter J.J. McCarthy.
These are the options if one assumes the Vikings don’t sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, who would probably compete with McCarthy this summer for the QB1 job. They’re listed in ascending order (No. 1 = best option).
It’s worth noting that the team could have total faith in current QB2 Brett Rypien, mentioned for full disclosure.
5. Vikings QB2 … Trey Lance
Lance is only referenced in this analysis because Minnesota is down to slim pickings in free agency. It has curiously missed out on prominent backup quarterbacks. Thankfully, most fans trust Kevin O’Connell to work with anyone at QB2 — perhaps a cashier from your local grocery store — because that’s what he does.
The problem with Lance? He couldn’t even win a QB2 job with the Dallas Cowboys last year. Cooper Rush, a newly-signed Baltimore Raven who would’ve otherwise made this list, held down QB2 duties when Dak Prescott was lost for the season.
Still, there’s the home-state angle for Lance, a Marshall, Minnesota, homegrowner.
As each day passes, men like Lance become more attractive at QB2 because the market is skinny all of a sudden.
4. Vikings QB2 … Jameis Winston
This one would be the “social media quarterback” option.
Despite alleged awful deeds early in his life, Winston has reshaped his public persona, somehow becoming one of the most lovable characters in all of sports.
The guy can absolutely launch the rock, too, which probably entices Minnesota, but his skill set will come with more interceptions than former Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens — which is saying something.
Meanwhile, Winston could soon be off the free-agent board. NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero tweeted Monday, “Free-agent QB Jameis Winston is scheduled to visit the Giants on Tuesday, per sources. While the New York braintrust waits for Aaron Rodgers’ decision, it’s continuing to visit with alternatives: Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and now Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick.”
3. Vikings QB2 … Joe Flacco
Flacco is old. Let’s just get that out of the way. At 40, he won’t threaten McCarthy’s summer climb to QB1 but would provide veteran dependability and mentorship.
The Super Bowl champ led the Cleveland Browns to the postseason in 2023, totally revitalizing his career, even if the Browns’ defense did most of the heavy lifting.
Per personality and experience, one might argue that Flacco is the best human to hang out with McCarthy in the 2025 Vikings quarterback room.
2. Vikings QB2 … Carson Wentz
Another somewhat close geographical connection, Wentz attended North Dakota State and played high school ball in Bismark, North Dakota.
His career took totally faceplanted in Philadelphia when Jalen Hurts rose to prominence, and Wentz has never recovered.
Now 32, Wentz has accepted backup roles for the last few years, and his career as QB1 feels kaput. But as the new adage goes — O’Connell could probably squeeze the goodness from Wentz. After all, the Kansas City Chiefs trusted Wentz with QB2 in 2024. If it’s good enough for the Chiefs, why not the purple team?
Back in 2017 and 2018, Wentz was a bonafide MVP candidate.
1. Vikings QB2 … Drew Lock
Lock is lovable like Winston — without scandals.
He also has a rocket arm and seems like just what the doctor ordered for McCarthy insurance in 2025. The guy can straight fling the rock, and if called upon, Lock could feast in a Vikings offense that includes playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and perhaps eventually Rondale Moore (if he signs in Minnesota).
Like Flacco, Lock won’t bring a quarterback debate or competition; he knows his role.
The man seems like a tailor-made fit for an O’Connell offense with a rookie quarterback taking the throne.
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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