Vikings Myths and Misses: Carson Wentz, 8th-Worst Team, Andy Dalton
With free agency slowing down and the draft approaching, speculation around the Vikings is intensifying — especially given the team’s current lack of a general manager. While some rumors are purely entertaining, others warrant closer scrutiny.
A few loud narratives still didn’t hold up.
This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack support.
Several Vikings Talking Points Now Need a Reality Check
The weekly Nopedy Nopes are here.
The Nopedy Nope: Carson Wentz is the current odds-on favorite to earn the Vikings’ QB1 job in September.
When Minnesota re-signed Wentz on Thursday, the move barely registered with most fans. Some even expected it. He performed reliably as a replacement for J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined with a high ankle sprain last September and October. That performance evidently impressed some, including Ben Leber, who speculated that Wentz might even compete for the starting position in 2026.
Leber tweeted after the Wentz addition, “I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz, Murray, McCarthy. May the best man win.”
Many Twitter (X) users had to reread Leber’s comments multiple times to confirm the account wasn’t a parody.
The account was genuine, however, and Leber stood by his opinion. Wentz recently met with the New York Jets to discuss a potential role on Aaron Glenn’s team, where he could have competed for a starting position or served as QB2 behind Geno Smith. Ultimately, no agreement was reached, and Wentz returned to Minnesota.
This decision suggests Wentz believes he has a legitimate opportunity in Minnesota, likely aiming to secure the QB2 position over McCarthy. If Leber’s assessment is accurate, training camp in Eagan could feature a competitive battle between Murray and Wentz, drawing significant attention.
But let’s face it: the Vikings didn’t sign Murray just to turn around and give the job to Wentz, a journeyman passer.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Wentz as the QB1 solution. That is Murray’s calling.
The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota is the NFL’s eighth-worst team.
The Vikings subtracted four starters in free agency: Jalen Nailor (WR, Las Vegas Raiders), Jonathan Allen (DT, Cincinnati Bengals), Javon Hargrave (DT, Green Bay Packers), and Ryan Wright (P, New Orleans Saints).
For NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, that’s a death sentence. He called Minnesota the NFL’s 25th-best team this week and explained, “The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable March so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle on both sides of the ball. Losing linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hurts the defensive front, and Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves a hole at center.”
“Receiver Jalen Nailor’s exit was quietly a big one for a team that needs all the non-Justin Jefferson targets it can hold on to. Fullback C.J. Ham retired, and longtime stalwart Harrison Smith could do the same, potentially creating a major void at safety.”
While most fans believed Murray’s arrival improved the team, Edholm wasn’t buying it.
Edholm added, “Even signing Kyler Murray to a league-minimum deal, cheap as it was, delivered a certain awkwardness, thanks to the presence of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray’s no-tag clause tells me he’s more likely to start than not, which would make McCarthy’s future even more muddled.”
Edholm even ranked the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ahead of the Vikings.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the Vikings living in the league’s bottom tier. They finished 9-8 last year with putrid quarterback play and will only improve in 2026. Book it.
The Nopedy Nope: Andy Dalton was a serious offseason option at quarterback via trade.
The Philadelphia Eagles are now the proud owners of an Andy Dalton
CBS News’ Tom Dougerty reported Wednesday, “The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly adding a veteran quarterback to add experience and depth behind Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have acquired 38-year-old Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Birds are sending a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Panthers.”
“Dalton, a long-time starting QB who made three Pro Bowls with the Cincinnati Bengals, spent the last three seasons in Carolina. In 2024, Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young, who was born in Wynnewood, for Dalton after Week 2. Dalton started five games before he sprained his thumb in a car accident before Carolina’s Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos.”
A few weeks ago, national media whispered Dalton as an option for the Vikings at QB2. That died when Kyler Murray entered the mix.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Dalton as Minnesota’s big quarterback fix behind McCarthy.
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