The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an intriguing position when it comes to their quarterback room. With JJ McCarthy and Brett Rypien already in the fold, the team is eyeing a seasoned veteran to round out their lineup. Enter Carson Wentz, who’s quickly emerging as a prime candidate for the Vikings, despite a few hurdles to overcome before they can secure a new quarterback.

Carson Wentz has experienced his share of ups and downs in the NFL, making stops with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. At 32, Wentz may not possess the flash of his younger years, but he brings a wealth of experience that’s truly invaluable, particularly for a team like the Vikings looking to nurture their emerging talent. His connection to Vikings’ Quarterbacks Coach Josh McCown, established during their time together in Philadelphia, only strengthens the case for his acquisition.

Now, you might wonder why the Vikings haven’t already pulled the trigger on signing a veteran. The crux of the issue lies in the compensatory pick system.

Teams are awarded these picks when they lose more qualifying free agents than they acquire. The Vikings’ best strategy may be to wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft to make their move, securing their compensatory picks for 2026.

Mark your calendars for Monday, April 29th at 3 pm CDT, which is when the Vikings can safely make a signing without affecting these valuable picks.

While Wentz is the frontrunner, the Vikings have a few other intriguing names on the table. Drew Lock, for instance, brings NFL experience paired with a powerful arm, potentially revitalizing his career like Sam Darnold did. Trey Lance is another name worth considering, but his lack of veteran status and experience might be a deterrent for a team eager for a steady hand.

Veterans like Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater also make the list. Flacco, with his expansive career experience, could seamlessly transition into a mentorship role, while Bridgewater’s nostalgia factor and previous Minnesota stint might appeal to longtime fans.

Then there’s Case Keenum, Desmond Ridder, C.J. Beathard, and Jeff Driskel—all viable options to varying degrees.

Returning to the topic of Carson Wentz, it’s clear the endorsement from Josh McCown is significant. McCown has praised Wentz’s football acumen and ability to adapt on the fly, qualities that should not be underestimated in the high-stakes world of the NFL. If McCown’s influence is anything to go by, we might very well see Wentz donning the purple and gold post-draft, bringing a steady veteran presence to the Vikings locker room.

As Minnesota navigates these waters, all eyes will be on how they bolster their quarterback lineup following the draft. And as it stands, Carson Wentz looks poised to be the key addition to their offensive strategy.