Carson Wentz Signs Vikings Contract, Updated Depth Chart with Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz is returning to the Minnesota Vikings to make his attempted return from season-ending left shoulder surgery and add even more depth to their quarterback room.

Wentz has agreed to a deal to rejoin the Vikings ahead of the 2026 season.

Vikings Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer

RB: Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott

WR: Justin Jefferson, Myles Price

WR: Jordan Addison, Jeshaun Jones

Slot WR: Tai Felton, Dontae Fleming, Joaquin Davis

TE: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek, Gavin Bartholomew, Bryson Nesbit

LT: Christian Darrisaw, Caleb Etienne

LG: Donovan Jackson, Henry Byrd, Vershon Lee

C: Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens

RG: Will Fries, Joe Huber

RT: Brian O'Neill, Walter Rouse

Depth chart via Ourlads.com

This move gives the Vikings some insurance at second-string quarterback if both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy miss time due to injuries. Both players have extensive injury histories, so having as many signal-callers with starting experience isn't a bad plan for a Minnesota team trying to get back to being a playoff contender in 2026.

Wentz joined the Vikings last offseason a one-year, $1.4 million contract as a potential backup for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

He was called on to make his first start of the campaign in Week 3 after McCarthy suffered an ankle injury.

Wentz went on to make five starts, although he suffered his shoulder injury in his third start and played through it in his final two appearances of the season.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported after Wentz was shut down in late October the quarterback had been playing through "a dislocated shoulder that included a torn labrum and fractured socket."

Wentz underwent successful left shoulder surgery on Nov. 11, according to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

When asked about what he expected for the Vikings quarterback room in 2026, O'Connell told reporters in January he wanted to create "a competitive situation" for McCarthy.

The Vikings could still look to add another quarterback through the trade market, in free agency or in the 2026 NFL draft, but for now, it will be Wentz and Max Brosmer available to provide competition in the Minnesota quarterback room.

Wentz began his career with five years as a starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He started most of the team's 2017 Super Bowl championship season before he was sidelined by injury for their playoff run.

His last full season as a regular starter came in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts. Since then Wentz has mostly served as a backup and stopgap starter for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Vikings.