Insider Tabs Surprise as QB2 for Minnesota Vikings

Kevin O’Connell has the Minnesota Vikings back on the field as they prepare for the August 9th preseason opener against the Houston Texans. The front seven has shined so far in the early going. J.J. McCarthy being under center without restrictions is also a talking point.

There was a time this offseason that Kirk Cousins being added as a veteran backup seemed like a possibility. Instead Minnesota made a trade for former fifth round pick Sam Howell and that brought depth to the quarterback room.

Max Brosmer joined the roster as an undrafted free agent, and Minnesota has not been shy about their love for Brett Rypien. Howell would seem to be the favorite for the backup job, but not everyone is sold on that reality.

Brett Rypien emerging as MN Vikings backup QB

The Minnesota Vikings have never started Brett Rypien in a game. His last action came for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and he has just 10 professional games under his belt. This team likes him though, and The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees enough of it to call him the Vikings backup quarterback.

“The backup situation is fluid. Howell performed better throughout the majority of Monday’s practice, but then a throw into traffic resulted in a tipped interception. Rypien must prove he can be consistently accurate to earn the job, and it’s always possible Minnesota could look externally.

Brosmer’s confidence and consistency are nothing to scoff at, either. The rookie has been rock solid and would be a shoo-in as a practice-squad candidate.”

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Lewis has both Brosmer and Howell out on the 53-man roster. Of course the Gophers signal caller could wind up on the practice squad. The notable news would be Rypien overtaking Howell for the backup role.

WHAT A SNAG! pic.twitter.com/3ahFW9k1FP

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) July 29, 2025

After a successful career with North Carolina, Howell went to the Commanders in the fifth round. He played in a single game during 2022 before starting all 17 in 2023. He threw for 3,946 yards with a 21/21 TD/INT ratio. It wasn’t good, but there was clearly something to dream on.

Last season Howell operated as the backup to Geno Smith in Seattle. He brings a veteran presence and level of experience to the MN Vikings, but O’Connell may like his other options better.

It would be somewhat jarring to see either Rypien or Max Brosmer emerge as the unquestioned backup behind McCarthy. However, the Gophers quarterback has drawn rave reviews early on in his pro career.

Related: Vikings Front Seven Living Up to Hype Early

During his one season under P.J. Fleck, Brosmer put together arguably the greatest quarterback season in Gophers history. He threw for 2,828 yards with a 66.5% completion rate and 18/6 TD/INT. His arm may leave something to be desired, but his instincts are top-notch.

Rypien seems like an underwhelming option that could be replaced by an run-of-the-mill veteran. If Brosmer elevated himself to the QB2 role with O’Connell’s belief behind him, things could get exciting.