Ultimately the franchise went the way of the youngster, but they still needed to fill out the room. There was some belief that Brett Rypien would stick on the roster. Voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, mentioned just how much the franchise loved him.

Unfortunately for Rypien though, Max Brosmer came in as an undrafted free agent and stole the show. Rypien went elsewhere, and after spending time with the Cincinnati Bengals, he now has a new home.

Brett Rypien signed by Indianapolis Colts

After Brett Rypien found out he didn’t make the Minnesota Vikings, it was time for him to find new employment. Initially that came with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now he’ll join 2024 teammate Daniel Jones with the Indianapolis Colts.

Veteran QB Brett Rypien is signing with the #Colts practice squad, per source.

With Anthony Richardson (eye) going on IR, rookie Riley Leonard will back up Daniel Jones this week.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 14, 2025

After being released by the New York Giants the Minnesota Vikings brought in Daniel Jones as a backup option. He got the opportunity to attend Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback school, and he’s still talking about how much he learned.

Jones was a target for the Vikings as an option alongside of McCarthy this offseason. Ultimately he bet on himself and signed with the Colts intending to return as a starting option. Through six games it appears he was right.

The Colts are 5-1 and Jones has completed a career-high 71.7% of his passes. He has thrown for 1,502 yards with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions.

With the Vikings blowing out former backup Jake Browning and the Bengals in Week 3, Brett Rypien found his way onto the field. Unfortunately the only stat he recorded was a sack.

It’s unlikely that Rypien finds his way under center, but he certainly gives the Colts a better veteran backup option than rookie Riley Leonard. The Notre Dame product was a sixth round pick in April, but has yet to appear in a game.

Indianapolis found themselves in need of a quarterback after Anthony Richardson broke an orbital bone in his face. He was injured doing pregame band work on Sunday.

They made decisions on the quarterback room Sunday. Sam Howell was traded. Carson Wentz was signed. Brett Rypien was released. That position is now set.

The rest of the moves are still to come, but the Vikings made their first wave of cuts as well.

11 players cut by MN Vikings

After the Minnesota Vikings finished their preseason schedule on Friday against the Tennessee Titans, focus turned towards the regular season. Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah must now cut down the roster, and they started in earnest on Sunday.

None of the names included in the first wave of cuts are surprising outside of quarterback Brett Rypien. It’s not as though the Vikings were going to keep four quarterbacks, but Rypien may have been a candidate for the practice squad. With three signal callers on the 53-man roster though, that likely became redundant.

Rypien had served as the scout team quarterback last season while owning a place on the practice squad. Cam Gill was a training camp addition for the Vikings.

If there was a name to note among the cuts, it could be wide receiver Silas Bolden. The undrafted Texas product profiled as a return game possibility, but he never was able to substantiate the opportunity.

Related: MN Vikings Set Quarterback Room, Release Veteran Favorite

There are still 79 players on the Minnesota Vikings roster. That means they have 26 more cuts to make by Tuesday afternoon. International Player Pathway participant Oscar Chapman is among that group. The punter may have sealed his fate on Friday when holding a missed kick for Will Reichard.

The Minnesota Vikings open their season on Monday September 8 against the Chicago Bears. They’ll play in primetime on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field.

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.

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

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2025

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.

But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t important. Ask the 40ish players at camp who are fighting for their NFL futures. Most will not make the team. Many will be working day jobs by September.

As a team, the Vikings were still trying to figure out a few things, before the start of the regular season. But for most of camp — beyond the punter competition and high-profile WR + CB depth issues — all eyes have been on the Minnesota’s backup QB competition.

Max Brosmer stakes claim for Minnesota Vikings backup job

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded for Sam Howell during the draft, assuming the 25-year-old who came into camp with 17 starts under his belt, would run away with the job. Instead, he’s struggled to consume KOC’s offense, oftentimes looking lost at practice and even during his last preseason game.

Then, there’s former Minnesota Gopher, Max Brosmer, who signed with the MN Vikings as an undrafted free agent. He came into camp just hoping to make the practice squad. Instead, he’s stolen the preseason show… and that takeover continued Friday in Nashville.

Welcome to the 53 man roster Max Brosmer. pic.twitter.com/yZZe2h7bPc

— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) August 23, 2025

It was Brosmer’s first exhibition start of his extremely young NFL career. He and Brett Rypien rotated every other quarter, from there. Sam Howell did not play. What stands out with Brosmer is his brain and work ethic. He’s only been in O’Connell’s offense for four months, yet he appears in complete control.

Related: NFL Insiders Pour Gas on MN Vikings + Adam Thielen Rumors

And if last night was his final tryout for Vikings QB2, Max Brosmer took full advantage — tossing darts all over the field like he’s been completing passes in the NFL for years — proving once again that he can make every throw necessary. Brosmer finished 15/23 for 161 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT and a 100.1 rating.

Mad. Max. Brosmer. pic.twitter.com/s7JoSDFT73

— Jason Harmon (@_jason_777) August 23, 2025

We know Kevin O’Connell can get the most out of just about any quarterbacks. That’s one reason why hope is so high for J.J. McCarthy. But backup QB is one of the most important positions in all of sports. As Vikings fans, we have seen some of our best seasons in team history come from the arm of a QB2.

Not only does Brosmer look better than most UDFA quarterbacks preparing to be cut across the league this week, but he looks better than a lot of quarterbacks who already have 53-man roster spots locked in, as well.

How do Vikings handle backup quarterbacks?

Typically, teams roster only one backup quarterback, these days. But that may not be the case in Minnesota… at least not this season. At this point, it would be shocking if Brosmer doesn’t make the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster. The only question remaining is, at what capacity? Is he QB2 or QB3?

This has been a perfect final statement from Max Brosmer. Beautiful deep throw on 4th down and should have been caught. I had him on the 53-man roster even before tonight, but now it's pretty obvious.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 23, 2025

I’ve seen enough. Name Max Brosmer QB2.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 23, 2025

Man, I love Max Brosmer. Talk about seizing an opportunity. #skol

— ᵇ (@bheintzskol) August 23, 2025

For a couple years now, we have been told that the Vikings love 28-year-old Brett Rypien. He has proven them right this preseason, for the most part, often looking in-control and accurate as a passer. But Max Brosmer is just better. Against Tennessee, Rypien went 7-of-14 for 62 yards and a 4th quarter interception.

Brosmer won’t pass through waivers so a practice squad spot isn’t a possibility. That means Minnesota either must be comfortable with the undrafted free agent being the first line of defense for McCarthy, or they’ll roster three quarterbacks.

With roster cutdowns looming, we’ll soon have an answer. Brosmer has exceeded well-beyond even the greatest aspirations from the Vikings thus far. Now, how much do they really believe in him?

Obviously, once the regular season gets going, KOC’s QB coaching prowess will revolve almost solely around redshirt rookie starter, JJ McCarthy. But on Saturday, during Minnesota’s 20-12 preseason loss against the New England Patriots, McCarthy was in street clothes watching Minnesota’s depth QBs compete for his backup job.

All eyes on Minnesota Vikings backup QB competition

Week two wasn’t the most memorable game for any of the three active Vikings quarterbacks. Max Brosmer — who played the entire second half of what was an overall sloppy contest — again looked poised, confident and in control of his surroundings, even if the results on paper weren’t noteworthy.

Brett Rypien, 28, who got second quarter responsibilities, probably had the most efficient day of the three Vikings QBs who saw the field, completing 7-of-11 passes for 83 yards and an 86.6 QB Rating.

The passer who struggled the most, by far, was Sam Howell. He started Saturday’s contest against the Patriots’ first team defense and it was not pretty. Howell looked skittish and downright confused, finishing his short afternoon 1-of-5 passing for 13 yards and one EGREGIOUS interception.

“Sam Howell what are you doing?!” pic.twitter.com/gv3b60nXmK

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 16, 2025

After showing major strides in week one of the preseason, the 24-year-old, 5-year NFL veteran regressed to the confused, happy-footed deer in headlights who showed up a month ago at MN Vikings training camp,

Most Minnesota Vikings fans and media were looking most forward to Max Brosmer’s extended second half look vs the Pats. His final box score was mildly unimpressive (15-of-27 for 156 yards, 1 INT, 4 sacks), but don’t let that fool you.

Kevin O’Connell blown away by Max Brosmer’s progress

For those who watched Brosmer live, he looked comfortable in the pocket (when allowed time) and he progressed through reads quickly. The one-and-done Gopher also made far and away the most impressive throws on the day, especially during his near miraculous final drive, which nearly ended in a game-saving touchdown.

Max Brosmer DIME on 4th down! pic.twitter.com/IV8fayJbJU

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 16, 2025

Yeah, #Gophers Max Brosmer is a NFL QB. pic.twitter.com/KabAO7jZDM

— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) August 16, 2025

Unfortunately, Brosmer’s last throw of the day ended in an endzone interception so that final drive was all for nothing. Repeated procedure penalties and dropped passes affected everyone mentioned above, including Max’s valient attempt at a late comeback.

In total, Minnesota committed 10 penalties and the only consistency they got from their wide receivers was dropped passes. After the game, Kevin O’Connell praised Brosmer and the unbelievable development he’s shown in just a few months of time in the Vikings’ system.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on @maxtbro pic.twitter.com/2v1NBqRyF5

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 16, 2025

“What I love about Max [Brosmer], there were some breakdowns up front and maybe he couldn’t progress and read through concepts, but he plays with very fast eyes and very rarely puts the ball in harm’s way, when he’s doing it, which is a really great trait.

That fourth down dagger throw to Jeshaun [Jones], that’s about as stacked against you as it can be. And he throws it well, well before that pattern had declared, Just things like that, that he has done, just goes to show why he’s getting the reps that he is.”

Kevin O’Connell on quarterback Max Brosmer after wk 2 preseason game

Related: Frustrated MN Vikings Coach Drops F-Bomb During Live Interview

To those who have been paying attention to the Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback competition, Saturday’s preseason game felt like the nail in Sam Howell’s 53-man roster coffin. Yes, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded a late round draft pick for him. But at this point, he is the worst of four quarterbacks on roster.

KOC won’t reveal how Vikings QB room stacks up

Still, Minnesota’s head coach wasn’t willing to give much on how he currently views the quarterback depth chart, underneath JJ McCarthy. When asked whether or not Saturday would spark any movement in the Vikings QB room, KOC wasn’t interested in directly answering the question.

Sounds like KOC left yesterday's preseason game with lots of questions surrounding what the Vikings QB room will look like by week one…

"There's a reason why we're playing all three of them. As far as what that means, the overall competition, I think I'd just say that it's… pic.twitter.com/MueUvhGrpK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 17, 2025

Reporter: “Do you view the No. 2 [QB] job as a competitive situation?”

KOC: “I view it right now as we’ve gotta learn about these guys, we’ve gotta try and see who’s able to go in there and function and execute the offense. I’m well aware, sometimes the circumstances are not perfect.

You aren’t throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, TJ [Hockenson], playing behind the first team offensive line, so you take all of that into account. But you’re looking for the traits out of those three guys.

And I think Sam had a really good week of practice, I think Brett Rypien had a good week stepping in there, and Max made some throws that were really impressive as well. So there’s a reason why we’re playing all three of them.

As far as what that means, the overall competition, I think I’d just say that it’s still open and we’re trying to figure out what the group is room is going to look like for the season, but I do like all the players a lot.

Kevin O’Connell postgame press conference

Related: Minnesota Vikings Superstar Returning to Practice?

Kevin O’Connell has been head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, going on four years now. He’s lead the purple to two playoff appearances, in those three seasons, but he’s 0-2 so far in his postseason opportunities.

Nonetheless, after going 14-3 in 2024 and starting off his Vikings head coaching career with a 34-17 record, which currently stands as the fourth best winning percentage for any active head coach in the league, through three seasons.

That’s why, among other things, KOC received a No. 1 priority contract extension this offseason, before Minnesota Vikings owners signed off on any other contracts, player, coach or GM.

He is the QB whisperer who will decide who plays what role in the Vikings’ quarterback room. And you have to think, that even if he won’t say it out loud, he has to have Max Brosmer moving up his internal depth chart.

Well, on one side of the ball anyway. Most of the top defensive players sat out, but nearly all of the Vikings starting offense — minus Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw and Aaron Jones — was on the field for Minnesota’s first drive of the game, including redshirt rookie QB, JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy has up and down drive vs Texans

Those available for the Vikings’ offense even included a few Vikings who have been nursing training camp injuries — Will Fries, Ryan Kelly and TJ Hockenson. The result of that initial offensive drive, which lasted 13 plays, 6:03 minutes and went for 58 yards, ended in 3 points for the Vikings thanks to a Will Reichard 48-yard field goal.

It was far from perfect but, overall, McCarthy operated efficiently and made a couple of big plays, including one 4th down scramble for a first down and another 18 yard throw with lots of anticipation to Jordan Addison, who caught three of JJ’s passes, in total.

When McCarthy’s 2025 preseason debut came to an end, he was 4-of-7 for 30 yards passing, to go along with his 10 yard 4th down scramble. Interestingly, most of his success came when he used play action from under center. Out of the shotgun, JJ was just 1 of 3 for 10 yards.

Of note today in Vikings vs Texans:

— JJ McCarthy under center w/PA: 3 of 4 for 20 yards

— JJ McCarthy shotgun w/o PA: 1 of 3 for 10 yards pic.twitter.com/Z5pdFXw0pd

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2025

He did have one missed opportunity that stands out. It came on 3rd down, just before his aforementioned scramble. McCarthy had WR Lucky Jackson breaking free about 15 yards down the field on an in-breaking route.

The 22-year-old went through his progressions beautifully, had good protection, made the right read, threw with anticipation (again)… but just missed the throw high and out front. These are the throws in the regular season that JJ McCarthy needs to hit on 98% of the time.

JJ McCarthy is a bust. Sam Howell would be a better starter for the Vikings pic.twitter.com/NJV6lz8Gg3

— diego… (@d1ego777_) August 9, 2025

Sam Howell bounces back after tough start to MN Vikings camp

The next man up, after McCarthy’s one-and-done drive was 24-year-old veteran, Sam Howell, who the Minnesota Vikings traded for during the NFL Draft. It was a big day for Howell, after he struggled mightily to start training camp.

But after struggling to operate the offense in practice, Howell looked like a QB who was poised and under control against the Houston Texans, methodically moving the ball down the field on multiple drives.

When the dust settled on Howell’s day, following about two quarters of play, he was 11-of-13 for 105 yards with 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 100.3 QB rating.

Sam Howell had one hell of a day in his MN Vikings preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/OSLpeC9Y9c

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 10, 2025

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

The former UNC standout, who comes into the 2025 season with 18 NFL starts under his belt, ran the offense efficiently and effectively, getting through his progressions and delivering footballs with accurately.

Max Brosmer balls out in his Minnesota Vikings debut

As mentioned, Howell is only 24 years old, which happens to be the same age as former Minnesota Gophers QB, Max Brosmer, whose showing this afternoon may have been even more impressive than his new teammate’s

Much like he did during his only collegiate season in Dinkytown, Brosmer looked calm, cool and collected in the pocket on Saturday, quickly rifling through reads before making on-time and on target throws, or tucking it down to take off.

He attempted only 8 passes on the day, completing 5 of them, including some notable ones, including two on the same drive to Myles Price, one of which was a TD. Brosmer ended his day with 47 yards passing and that beautiful touchdown pass we just mentioned.

Nice Max Brosmer throw to Myles Price, who has impressed in training camp pic.twitter.com/jhdgcpdi6s

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 9, 2025

B1G Connection @maxtbro @Myles_price3

📺: @FOX9 | @NFLNetwork
📻: @KFAN1003 pic.twitter.com/Au4atULnVg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

After Sam Howell’s impressive preseason debut for the Vikings, fans breathed a sigh of relief. After weeks of worry that Minnesota was in trouble at QB2, the four year veteran calmed those fears on Saturday.

In fact, after today’s preseason game against the Texans, it’s starting to feel like we might have an embarrassment of riches in that room.

Brett Rypien’s time in Minnesota drawing to an end??

29-year-old veteran Brett Rypien also got some playing time today. His day did not go as well as the other three Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks, as he finished 1-of-4 for 6 yards. Rypien also took the Vikings’ only two sacks on the day.

Prior to this week, it was Sam Howell who many wondered would make the team. After one preseason game, it appears as if Brett Rypien needs to have an incredible finish to training camp if he wants any sort of roster spot in the regular season.

We know both Rypien and Brosmer will get a ton of playing time in the MN Vikings final two preseason games. If the first is any indication of how those will go, Brett’s time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be coming to a close.

Related: MN Vikings New Veteran Carted Off With Injury

Meanwhile, should Max continue to play well, sneaking him onto the practice squad may be a lot more difficult than originally anticipated. No matter, it does appear as if Vikings fans have less to worry about at the QB position, entering week two of the preseason, than anytime since the start of the 2025 offseason.

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.

J.J. McCarthy on Max Brosmer: "Max is the man. Super detail-oriented. Works his butt off. I can't say enough good things about that guy. An awesome human being, and he can sing pretty well, too. He's got a song out there. Old Jack Daniels. Check it out."

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 30, 2025

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.

However, by the time the weekend was done, the Vikings emerged with five new draftees, instead of the expected four. They even swung a trade for a new backup quarterback. After it all, who are the Vikings’ three biggest winners and losers from the NFL Draft?

Related: 2025 Minnesota Vikings Draft Class is Complete

2025 Minnesota Vikings Draft Day Loser: Blake Brandel

The biggest loser from the Vikings’ draft class is clearly Blake Brandel. Before the draft kicked off, the former sixth-round pick was in line to reclaim his role as the starting left guard. Now? After selecting Donovan Jackson with the 24th overall pick, Brandel is expected to return to a backup role in 2025.

That doesn’t mean he won’t or can’t make an impact on the upcoming season. Not only can he go back to the role he thrived in, which is playing swing OL whenever called upon, but the Minnesota Vikings will need him to push Jackson in camp.

Related: NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson

And at the end of the day, there’s no guarantee Donovan Jackson is NFL-ready, right from the get-go. As a first-round pick, that may be the expectation. But expectations do not always align with reality. It won’t take long for the Vikings to realize what they have in their new left guard.

When that time comes, Brandel’s future role in purple will be more clear. Without a doubt, however, it’s clear that Brandel’s job is considerably more in jeopardy today than it was on Thursday afternoon.

Loser: Brett Rypien

Like Brandel, Brett Rypien was set for a more featured role this season, as J.J. McCarthy’s backup quarterback. That’s an upgrade from last season when he became the QB3 as rosters were being finalized. Yet, once again, Rypien is set to become the team’s No. 3 quarterback following the trade for Sam Howell.

While Rypien, 28, may be disappointed in his QB3 role, we all knew the Vikings were going to add another quarterback before the season started. Here’s the thing, though… in a matter of minutes on Saturday, Rypien may have dropped from QB2, all the way down to QB4.

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t just add one rookie quarterback this weekend, they also made former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer a priority undrafted free agent signing, even guaranteeing him $250,000 to seal the deal.

Related: Max Brosmer is Staying in Minnesota

Vikings fans out there who double as Gopher football fans, know… Max Brosmer is not going to give up his purple jersey without a fight. So with all the young talent in the Vikings new QB room, it’s very plausible Rypien could once again find himself on the outside looking in, when final training camp cuts are made, come August.

Loser: Jalen Nailor

Jalen Nailor is headed into the final year of his contract, and the Vikings may not be able to afford a second contract for the speedster. Yet, by adding Tai Felton, the Vikings get a new potential long-term WR3, and like Nailor, he’s quick.

Felton clocked a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and the Vikings believe he can be their next playmaker who helps take attention away from Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. The Vikings also added five undrafted free agent receivers, showing how eager they are to find another pass-catcher who can contribute on a weekly basis.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Swing Trade and Draft New Wide Receiver

2025 MN Vikings Draft Day Winner: Jordan Mason

When the offseason kicked off, running back was listed as one of the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest needs. Re-signing Aaron Jones and trading for Jordan Mason — who went for 789 rushing yards (3 TD) and 164 receiving yards with the Niners last season — has KOC & Co feeling comfortable with their backfield entering the 2025 season.

But that wasn’t clear heading into the draft. Given their interest in running backs throughout the scouting process, RB still felt like a position the Vikings would target with one of their four draft picks, even if they waited until the later rounds. At the end of the day, this draft class just had too much running back talent to just pass up, right?

Related: Minnesota Vikings Have Big Plans for Jordan Mason

Then, seven rounds went by without the Vikings selecting anyone with an “RB” in front of their name. Now, barring any unforeseen additions between now and week one, it appears this team’s backfield work in 2025 will be divvied up between mostly Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, with some Ty Chandler sprinkled in.

With Jones’ now 30, Mason will get every opportunity to prove he can be a future starter.

Winner: Christian Darrisaw

How is Christian Darrisaw a winner? No one was ever coming for the former first-round pick’s starting spot. However, the Minnesota Vikings hope his life at left tackle just got a whole lot easier, with the addition of No. 24 overall, Donovan Jackson, who’s expected to slot in right next to Darrisaw at left guard.

Since he took over as the starter in 2021, Darrisaw has dealt with a turnstile of bad to mediocre guards to help him protect the left side of the MN Vikings offensive line. If Jackson is what the Vikings believe, he should be able to take the starting left guard spot away from the aforementioned Blake Brandel pretty quickly.

Related: Christian Darrisaw Blown Away by How Good Dallas Turner is Already

As long as the next three months play out on the practice and preseason fields, like they do right now on paper, then Christian Darrisaw’s life just got a whole lot easier, and that’s before you factor in the improvement at center (Ryan Kelly) and right guard (Will Fries).

Ideally, not only will Darrisaw be able to focus on sealing the edge — without having to worry as much about making sure Brandel is handling his assignment too — but he can also take his time getting healthy, after season-ending knee surgery in 2024.

If he can’t return immediately in 2025, Jackson played an impressive left tackle last season at Ohio State. And when he does return, he won’t be pulling double duty (hopefully).

Winner: J.J. McCarthy

There’s no bigger winner in the NFL Draft than J.J. McCarthy, who now has an even more reinforced offensive line, plus a new weapon to work with thanks to the Vikings’ first two picks.

Instead of trying to find more pieces for Brian Flores’ defense, the Vikings opted to do everything in their power to make sure their year-old QB had everything he needed to succeed in his first season as a starter.

Related: All 20 Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agents

Instead of picking a running back, receiver, or tight end first, the Vikings made a move that they hope will give McCarthy more time to make his reads while protecting him in the pocket.

Ultimately, the Vikings may have very well made the best decision to help their young leader thrive, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering how QB-friendly Kevin O’Connell’s system has become.

The 2024 first round pick still has to prove he’s ready, but that can’t happen until bodies start flying. Nonetheless, head coach (and QB whisperer) Kevin O’Connell seems confident that McCarthy is ready for QB1 duties. How confident? Actions speak louder than words and the Vikings’ actions speak mimic what they’re saying.

Minnesota Vikings seem uninterested in adding at quarterback

KOC is confident enough in last year’s No. 10 overall pick that he let Sam Darnold walk, when he would have returned to Minnesota on a relatively inexpensive and short-term deal for an MVP-caliber QB.

Then, they let the entire 2025 QB free agency class sign elsewhere, including Daniel Jones, who chose to sign with the Colts, in large part because he didn’t feel like he stood a chance in a QB competition vs JJ McCarthy.

Hell, Aaron Rodgers is still believed to be waiting for the Vikings to look his way. Same can be said for Kirk Cousins, who would reportedly love to land back in Minnesota, even if it means toting a “backup” label, upon arrival.

But instead of jumping on one of the top QB free agents or trading for a veteran who can provide more peace of mind entering the offseason, the Vikings have intentionally ignored what seems like an obvious need, choosing instead to walk into draft week with two unproven quarterbacks on roster.

Other than the aforementioned 22-year-[86-day]-old 1st round pick — who missed all of his rookie season after season-ending knee surgery — the Minnesota Vikings have 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Boise State, Brett Rypien, who has impressed in Eagan since first signing last August, after he missed the final training camp cut in Chicago.

From what @Andrew_Krammer has “heard behind the scenes” is that it’s “not a shoe in” that Nick Mullens is QB2 and that the #Vikings are really “impressed” with what Brett Rypien has done that “he’s made them think and consider about their [QB] pecking order”.

Krammer noted that… pic.twitter.com/gTf9rwWhhN

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) December 6, 2024

So, what gives? Why do the Vikings seem so uninterested in adding talent at QB so far this offseason? Well, there are a few reasons. First, they want to maximize their return in the 2026 comp pick formula.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his front office believe they could get as many as three additional selections in next year’s draft, as things currently stand. Picking up a free agent QB could negatively impact that formula.

Paul Allen: Vikings really like Brett Rypien…

But according to radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings (and KFAN Radio morning talk show host) Paul Allen, the organization’s approach to this offseason’s QB market goes beyond comp pick strategy and their belief in JJ McCarthy.

In the final seconds of the opening hour of his show on Tuesday, PA told his producer, Eric Nordquist — along with millions of loyal listeners — that the Vikings like Brett Rypien “more than I think people would imagine”.

“I understand when people have the flippant, but out of nowhere opinion, ‘Brett Rypien are you kidding me?’ I understand that, because Brett hasn’t done much — if hardly anything — in the NFL.

But as I’ve shared before, without oversharing… they like him. They like him a lot. That doesn’t mean he’ll be the backup, like the 1A to McCarthy. I still do believe they’ll find a veteran backup. But, they like Rypien more than I think people would imagine.”

Paul Allen – KFAN

Rypien has 10 games (4 starts) of NFL experience. He last played with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 season. Brett’s 58.2% completion rate leaves plenty to be desired, as does his career 4/9 TD/INT ratio and underwhelming 950 total passing yards.

Ultimately, Allen expects the Minnesota Vikings to sign a different, more reliable, backup quarterback to sit behind, mentor and provide insurance for their young, unproven starter. But that doesn’t mean their belief in Rypien hasn’t factored into their laissez-faire approach to addressing QB so far this offseason.

MN Vikings running out of veteran QB options beyond Brett Rypien…

At this point, free agency is pretty bone-dry, after Joe Flacco signed with Cleveland. Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, C.J. Beathard, and Teddy Bridgewater are the best remaining free agent options available, outside of Aaron Rodgers. Otherwise, they could look to the trade market, which feels more and more likely with every day that goes by.

Related: Pressure is on JJ McCarthy to Perform Starting Next Week

Ultimately, the Vikings will continue to tweak their roster for the next six months, all the way up until the start of the regular season in September. Still, until they name a starting quarterback and we see JJ McCarthy take the field, throw a pass, take a hit, etc… serious questions will remain surrounding this team’s ceiling for 2025.

If the Vikings defense beats up on Daniel Jones and Darnold looks competent, we’ll consider it revenge for the 2022 playoffs (maybe even 41-0 from the 2000 NFCCG too), and start buying up Super Bowl tickets in Las Vegas.

If the opposite happens, and the Vikings start 0-1, the calls for tanking will be loud and clear. Oh, and Sam Darnold will immediately be chalked up to the bust we always thought he was. As fans and media members begin shift their focus to the JJ McCarthy countdown clock.

There really is no inbetween, especially given the gauntlet three-week schedule Minnesota faces after the Giants (Niners, Texans, @ Packers). But in the week-plus time between now and next Sunday, the Vikings have made it clear they are not done tweaking their roster.

Minnesota Vikings still looking for roster upgrades… including QB

On Thursday, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah named Myles Gaskin as the team’s kick returner. He’s currently on the practice squad. It’s also been reported that the Vikings are not happy with Ed Ingram, at right guard, meaning they are still on the lookout for an upgrade there.

Oh, and earlier this week, less than 24 hours after solidifying the initial 53-man roster, Minnesota cut 2nd year quarterback Jaren Hall and signed former LA Rams QB Brett Rypien as their new QB3. At least, for now.

According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), head coach Kevin O’Connell isn’t set on Rypien as Vikings QB3, either. Doogie is hearing that, over the next handful of weeks — as quarterbacks are shuffled around the league, due to injuries unforeseen circumstances, and we get closer to the in-season NFL trade deadline — that Minnesota will be on the prowl for more young QB talent.

“I don’t know if this is the end game, in terms of who the [Vikings] No. 3 quarterback will be… You think about last year, going through four quarterbacks, I suppose more trust in Brett Rypien, if it came down to that, this year, compared to Jaren Hall. I’m not overly surprised, but I just don’t know if this is the complete end game. Like, will Brett Rypien be on the roster seven to eight weeks from now, for example.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Kevin O’Connell eyeing up Dorian Thompson-Robinson…?

And one guy that KOC may be particularly interested in, per Doogie, is Cleveland Browns project, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Kevin Stefanski went with Jameis Winston, as the Browns QB2, behind Deshaun Watson. That could make Dorian available, for the right price.

“What about this name… Dorian Thompson-Robinson? So, Jameis Winston is in, in Cleveland. So reckless speculation, right? It is Reckless speculation Thursday. Here’s what I can tell you. The Vikings had all sorts of pre-draft interest last year, in Thompson-Robinson. Now, is he an upgrade over Nick Mullins, in this moment? We can certainly have that conversation.

That’s why I just don’t know. Considering Brett’s age, is he here 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks from now? I’m not convinced of that. Are they truly seeking a younger type guy, an upgrade over Jaren Hall. And I just wonder if Dorian Thompson Robinson is that guy. Heck, is Cleveland even willing to move him? That, I don’t know. But I’m just saying, here on this reckless speculation Thursday, that would be a name that I would monitor.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has eight total NFL games (three starts) worth of experience. His 54% completion and 1-to-4 TD/INT ratio do not shine a positive light on those snaps.

But while his NFL experience may not be notable, Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s talent is undeniable. He’s athletic, can move around, both in and outside the pocket, and he has a strong arm.

DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON! 57-yard TD to Jamari Thrash!#DawgPound pic.twitter.com/NVmmbBXjQD

— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) August 25, 2024

Yes, it was incomplete but this throw by #Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson was insane.

The difficulty level of this throw, when you add in his body position while drifting backwards in combination with the defensive coverage is a solid 8.5 out of 10.

The fact that he was 6"… pic.twitter.com/Bw741Tu1af

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) August 25, 2024

Related: Vikings Still on the Prowl for Right Guard Upgrade

In 5 seasons at UCLA, he compiled 50 games, 10,700 passing and 88 touchdowns, to just 36 interceptions. His completion percentage was 69.3%, as a senior. Thompson-Robinson also ran for over 1,800 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns.