MN Vikings Set Quarterback Room, Release Veteran Favorite

When the Minnesota Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday morning, it confirmed what those on the outside have suspected for a while now. Howell’s camp struggles were very real, as has been Max Brosmer’s meteoric rise from UDFA to uncuttable.
So on Sunday, the Vikings got busy fixing the setup in their QB room. It started with the trade of Howell to Philly for some late-round picks and pick swaps. Moments later, Minnesota signed Carson Wentz, who was in town for a visit/workout in Eagan on Saturday.
Brett Rypien released, Vikings QB plans revealed
Then, they released Brett Rypien, officially leaving the MN Vikings with three QBs they are expected to roster entering the 2025 regular season — (QB1) JJ McCarthy, (QB2) Carson Wentz and (QB3) Max Brosmer. None of the three were on the active roster in 2024. McCarthy was the only one in the organization.
The #Vikings are releasing QB Brett Rypien, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2025
The respected veteran should have interest elsewhere, while Minnesota moves forward with a remodeled QB room of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. pic.twitter.com/Xpinc2ENCK
Typically, teams have kept two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Given some of the flexibility allowed recently, it’s easier to keep three quarterbacks on roster than what it used to be. Brosmer’s preseason and training camp were so impressive that the Vikings really didn’t have any other choice.
Max has played too well to clear waivers. If Rypien clears, KOC could bring him back to the practice squad. For now, though, that appears unlikely. Despite reports of how much the Vikings loved Rypien, they like Brosmer more.
How did Minnesota Vikings, Rypien get here?
During his two years here, Rypien was never active for a regular season game as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. His last logged NFL appearance came in 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams.
In five NFL seasons, the Boise State product has played in just 10 total games (four starts for the Broncos). He’s thrown 168 passes in the league, completing just 58.3% for 950 yards and a 4/9 TD/INT ratio.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Trade One QB, Sign Another
Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah need to cut their roster down to 53 players by 3pm CDT on Tuesday August 26. There are still plenty of roster moves to make, and the Vikings are monitoring the wide receiver market. One spot they don’t have any more decisions to make is who could possible be under center.
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