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.

On the flip side, former Minnesota Gophers starter Max Brosmer has the NFL world buzzing due to his performance in the same time span. It was always going to be a leap for him to be the backup out of the gate. He’s definitely earned a roster spot.

When Minnesota shipped Howell out, there was just a little extra hilarity on the back-end of the transaction.

Lewis Cine loses roster spot for former Minnesota Vikings QB

On Saturday Kevin O’Connell had veteran quarterback Carson Wentz in for a workout. Things obviously went well and the Minnesota Vikings signed him to the active roster. The Philadelphia Eagles jumped at a chance to grab Howell, and it cost former Vikings first round pick Lewis Cine a job.

We have agreed to acquire QB Sam Howell and a 2026 6th-round pick from the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 5th-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick. We have waived/injured DB Lewis Cine. pic.twitter.com/EXb7p6tCyq

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 24, 2025

Howell was originally acquired during the NFL Draft in a trade with Seattle. The got him for nothing more than a late-round pick swap. Now they have pieced him out for better draft compensation than he cost them, and Howell isn’t their problem.

Cine was drafted 32nd overall by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings famously, and terribly, traded back rather than drafting multi-time All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. Cine played just 10 total games for Minnesota, and his career was altered by a gruesome injury suffered in London against the New Orleans Saints.

Even had the Vikings not traded back, the pick was always a weird one. The Georgia safety was seen as more of a hitter and less of a capable defender in the secondary. With Buffalo last year, and the Philadelphia in the postseason, he never started a game and has a single tackle to his credit.

The #Eagles have waived/injured DB Lewis Cine

He was reportedly on crutches after Friday’s game

pic.twitter.com/AwLsOxYWSJ

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) August 24, 2025

Cine did pick off a pass in the Eagles preseason finale, but apparently suffered an injury at some point as well.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trade One QB, Sign Another

At 25 years old, things are getting late early for Cine. He hasn’t developed into any more of a capable talent as his career has gone on. Now he’s cut again for a retread backup, and Cine remains a consistent injury concern.

We all know JJ McCarthy — a redshirt rookie who’s never taken a meaningful snap in the NFL — will be the starter. Behind him was supposed to be Sam Howell, who has started 18 games and thrown for over 4000 yards during his 5-year NFL career.

Unfortunately, reality has not played out like the Vikings had hoped, when they traded for Sam Howell during the NFL Draft, in exchange for moving down 30 spots in the 5th round. Since his arrival at camp, reports out of Eagan have been mostly built on his inconsistency and inability to grasp Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

Howell’s early struggles even allowed for 2025 undrafted free agent Max Brosmer to insert himself into the MN Vikings backup quarterback competition, an idea that would have been hyperbolic at the start of camp.

Minnesota Vikings trade Sam Howell to Eagles

Which brings us to Sunday morning, when Sam’s extremely short stint in Minnesota came to an end. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has traded Howell, along with a 2026 6th rounder, to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Vikings are receiving a 2026 5th and 2027 7th rounder.

Trade! The #Vikings are trading QB Sam Howell to the #Eagles, per me and @TomPelissero.

It’s a 5th in 2026 and 7th in 2027 to MIN, while PHI Howell and 6th in 2026. Minnesota, which recently hosted Carson Wentz on a visit, now has a QB opening. And Philly gets more QB depth. pic.twitter.com/LSLeYhMRPg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2025

Related: Minnesota Vikings Insider Takes Ultimate QB2 Leap

For a very short period of time, trading away Sam Howell put Max Brosmer along on the Minnesota Vikings QB depth chart, behind JJ McCarthy. The former Gopher’s reign as Vikings QB2 didn’t last long, however.

As good as Brosmer has been this preseason, especially for a UDFA signing, he still has even less National Football League experience than our redshirt rookie starter. Thus, O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah started seriously perusing veteran quarterbacks on the open market, over the weekend.

Vikings replace Howell with Carson Wentz

That search began with a visit from 2016 No. 2 overall draft pick and former North Dakota State superstar, Carson Wentz. Nearly immediately after news of the Sam Howell trade broke, we found out that the Vikings liked what they saw from the 32-year-old Wentz on Saturday, at least enough to swap him in with a 24-year-old Howell.

The #Vikings are signing QB Carson Wentz, per me and @TomPelissero, after a successful workout over the weekend. A new backup for JJ McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/PHDgOmX6bs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2025

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

Across his nine years in the NFL, Wentz has played in 98 games (94 starts). He’s thrown for 22,410 yards (62.7%), 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. After an incredibly hot start to his career in 2016 and 2017, Wentz fell off the face of the QB planet, following surgery to fix a torn ACL near the end of the 2017 season.

Since his injury, Wentz’ biggest NFL accomplishment was winning 2019 Comeback Player of the Year for the Eagles. Since, he’s had single-season stops at Indianapolis, Washington, LA (Rams) and Kansas City.

He was last a regular starter back in 2021, when he started all 17 games that season for the Colts. He has played in just 13 games (nine starts) since. Wentz and Sam Howell were teammates with the Commanders, back in 2022, where the two split starting duties. Now, Wentz is taking Howell’s job with the Minnesota Vikings.

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.

JJ McCarthy was in street clothes, as was Jonathan Greenard, Jordan Addison and just about every other player casual fans would be able to pick out of a lineup. Of course, for MN Vikings fans watching this weekend, all eyes were on the backup quarterback battle between Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer.

What We Learned – Minnesota Vikings vs New England Patriots (Preseason)

The Vikings — who eventually fell 20-12 to the Patriots — played okay on both sides of the ball Saturday, at least periodically. But today’s loss was very more so due to preseason sloppiness, than anything else.

Minnesota filled up their box score with drops on offense and missed tackles on defense that cost them both drives and points. Even worse may have been the constant penalty flags that were being thrown. So, let’s get after what we learned during the MN Vikings week two preseason game against the NE Patriots.

Minnesota Vikings 2nd Team mostly holds its own vs Patriots starters

Because head coach Kevin O’Connell decided early in the week (probably much sooner) that Minnesota’s starters were not going to play today, it was a bit surprising when noon rolled around and New England had all of their starters dressed in full pads.

They weren’t in uniform for show, either. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel actually rolled out his starters on both sides of the football, for two drives.

That included second year quarterback Drake Maye and just about every offensive starter, not named Stefon Diggs. New England even started one of the most expensive non-quarterbacks in football, defensive tackle Milton Williams, who’s making $32 million in cash this season.

Still, the Minnesota Vikings’ second team defense mostly held its own, limiting Drake Maye to 4-of-7 for 46 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and 77.1 QB rating.

BIG 3rd DOWN STOP pic.twitter.com/dVBEkOTNe5

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) August 16, 2025

They were better on drive one, forcing a six-and-out, but did spring a leak on the second drive, allowing Drake Maye & Co drive 52 yards on 9 plays that ended on a TreVon Henderson 8-yard touchdown run.

Sam Howell just ain’t it…

At this point, I think it is only a matter of time before the Minnesota Vikings put an end to the Sam Howell experiment. Out of the three quarterbacks who played on Saturday afternoon, Howell was by far the worst.

Yes, he was playing against the Patriots’ 1st team defense, but that is no excuse for how poorly his only two drives of the game played out. Howell ended his second preseason game as a Viking 1-of-5 for 13 yards and one of the worst preseason interceptions in league history.

Sam Howell is absolute cheeks. pic.twitter.com/stnn6EyoXE

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 16, 2025

Related: Latest Vikings News Could Connect Them with a Pro Bowl WR

During Minnesota’s first preseason game vs Houston, Howell looked good, flipping the script on a conversation that mostly had him trending toward a training camp cut candidate. Unfortunately, his second exhibition opportunity went the opposite.

Meanwhile, Brett Rypien went 7-of-11, while looking calm, cool and collected in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. When his one quarter of work was done, Rypien had accumulated 83 yards through the air, 0 interceptions and an 86.6 QB Rating.

If the MN Vikings do not go out and get a veteran QB2 who can hold water behind JJ McCarthy, it’s become quite clear that Sam Howell is not as good of an option as Brett Rypien, or even the undrafted free agent rookie behind him on the depth chart, who impressed again on Saturday.

Max Brosmer impresses for MN Vikings again…

Max Brosmer had another damn good day this afternoon, even if his boxscore doesn’t necessarily show it. Sam Howell got the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason game, and Brett Rypien the second.

That left the third and fourth quarters for former one-and-done Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Max Brosmer. Once again, the 24 year-old quarterback who played most of his five years of college football at New Hampshire looked in full control of Kevin O’Connell’s NFL offense.

Max QB2 Brosmer pic.twitter.com/moQrKiesPu

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 16, 2025

When the dust settled on his extensive day of work, Max Brosmer finished his extensive work Saturday 15-of-27 for 156 hards, 0 TDs and 1 interception that came on the last play of the game.

Related: MN Vikings QB Battle Heating Up – Max Brosmer Uncuttable, Sam Howell in Trouble…?

Before that game-sealing INT in the endzone, however, the former Gopher made multiple beautiful throws to give the Vikings a chance to push a game into overtime that never should have been that close. 0 INTs. He was sacked 4 times.

Max Brosmer hits Jeshaun Jones for 25 on 4th and 17! pic.twitter.com/HkNNt5gG4b

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 16, 2025

While he was far from perfect, most of the offensive inefficiencies during the second half were caused by bad penalties and constant pressure. And the pressure wasn’t all on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line, necessarily, either.

Unlike what we normally see out of NFL defenses during the preseason, New England’s defense was bringing extra pass rushers during just about every passing situation Brosmer and the Vikings offense got into.

That made many of his dropbacks messy. But again, even when the outcome isn’t positive, Max is almost always in the right spot. And when he gets time, there is little doubt in his accuracy.

Too many missed tackles, drops and penalties

In the end, the Minnesota Vikings fell 20-12 against the New England Patriots on Saturday, in their second of three 2025 preseason games, and it wasn’t because the Pats played their starters and the Vikes didn’t.

It happened because they had way too many missed tackles on defense, dropped passes on offense and penalties on both sides of the ball. Lucky Jackson, who has been a training camp success story for multiple years now, had two crucial drops early and there were missed tackles on both of New England’s touchdowns.

TreVeyon Henderson with a 3rd and 10 carry to convert and then a 3rd and 4 inside the 10 for a touchdown.

One of the only rookies we don’t have to worry about in pass pro

The Patriots cannot keep this guy off the field.pic.twitter.com/5tka8MLLOj

— Al Calo (@Calo_Football) August 16, 2025

Related: Harrison Smith MIA from MN Vikings Camp

But even worse than the drops and missed tackles were the penalties. Whether it was the a defensive lineman lining up in the neutral zone or an offensive lineman jumping early, the 10 total penalties committed by the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday ended up costing them a game that came down to the very last play.

Obviously, it was the second, third and fourth teammers drawing the flags, but nonetheless, committing that many procedure penalties just is not acceptable.

Sam Howell played well (11-of-13 for 105 yards) in Saturday’s 20-10 win over the Houston Texans, arguably even better than the aforementioned UDFA signing (5-of-8 for 47 yards and 1 TD). But that hasn’t necessarily convinced those around the organization that Howell is the best man for Minnesota’s backup QB job.

Both Alec Lewis (The Athletic) and Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) released new Vikings 53-man roster projections early this week. While these two local beat writers currently differ on who might claim the final spots on the depth chart at some positions, they are unified at quarterback… well, kind of.

Max Brosmer already uncuttable for Minnesota Vikings?

Lewis is already sold on former Gopher QB, Max Brosmer. According to the Vikings beat writer, NFL teams are too desperate for competent quarterbacks and he believes that Brosmer has already proved himself to be exactly that.

With two preseason games left to play, both of which he will be heavily featured in. Thus, KOC has no choice but to keep all three — McCarthy, Howell and Brosmer. At this point, Lewis cannot understand why other NFL teams didn’t take a draft flyer on Dinkytown’s one-and-done QB when they had the chance…

Quarterback (3)

In: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer

Out: Brett Rypien

Why Howell and Brosmer? These are two changes from our last roster projection. Howell played confidently against the Houston Texans. His arm talent is undeniable. More reps in O’Connell’s system should only help.

Meanwhile, Brosmer going undrafted is head-scratching, to put it nicely. By comparison, the Texans’ Graham Mertz, who threw three interceptions Saturday, was selected in the sixth round. Brosmer sees the field, processing the defensive picture in a way you cannot teach. Coaches have raved about his smarts behind the scenes, too. If the Vikings don’t add him to the 53-man, they’d risk losing a reliable player at the game’s most critical position.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Reps like this are great to see from Max Brosmer. Goes through his progressions and rips a missile to the back of the end zone for a touchdown pic.twitter.com/HQl3xwK1tZ

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 12, 2025

#Gophers Max Brosmer continues to impress in Vikings camp. This throw against the first team defense. pic.twitter.com/SV2Ulb55iU

— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) August 11, 2025

Alec has only watched Max Brosmer play football for a couple months, and his opportunities as an non-team affiliated reporter are limited. Yet, he has already reached the conclusion most Gopher fans did back during the draft process, that Max is a legitimate NFL quarterback.

There is no way he should have slipped through the draft and been able to sign with the Minnesota Vikings as a UDFA. How that happens in 2025, given how much money is invested into draft scouting, is beyond my imagination.

Goessling not so sure about MN Vikings QB room

Not everyone agrees with Lewis’ assessment of Minnesota’s QB situation, however. The Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling isn’t convinced that anything in the Vikings quarterback room, beyond JJ McCarthy being locked-in as the starter, is near settled.

Just like his rival over at The Athletic, however, Goessling has Minnesota keeping three QBs out of camp — JJ McCarthy, Sam Howell and Max Brosmer. It’s clear, though, that Ben isn’t nearly as confident in his predictions. In fact, he isn’t even even convinced Sam Howell will be on the team in a few weeks.

One good preseason performance, Goessling notes, does not absolve Howell of weeks-worth of training camp sins. In his summary, explaining his predictions, it sounds like Goessling is forecasting another QB trade that would end some of these questions surrounding whether or not the Vikings have enough depth behind McCarthy.

Quarterback (3)

J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer

Waived: Brett Rypien

I’m not entirely sure Howell will make the 53-man roster even after he completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards against the Texans. He hasn’t been consistent in practices and may need to keep improving in this week’s joint practices with the Patriots to prevent the front office from adding a different QB2 option as other teams trim rosters later this month.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Up until just a week or two ago, Howell was struggling so bad at early Vikings training camp that he was starving the second team offense of much needed productive reps. That could be a problem, if it were to persist, and not something they’ve had to worry nearly as much about when Max Brosmer is running the show.

Dwight McGlothern picks off Sam Howell at the end of practice at Vikings Training Camp. pic.twitter.com/ZLZW3ZfodO

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

Goessling then moved on to the QB3 spot, where he certainly does not have Max Brosmer at a point where he’s become uncuttable yet. Nor does he have Rypien as already being cooked. Instead, he calls Minnesota’s QB3 “race” a coinflip between the veteran vs UDFA, even though his update has Rypien as being waived.

It appears to be a coin flip between Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer, the former Gopher who made a pair of impressive throws in the end zone against Houston on Saturday. Rypien, a seventh-year NFL veteran, is the more experienced option should O’Connell prefer to have him with the 22-year-old McCarthy.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Crucial preseason week for Minnesota Vikings and Patriots

No matter what their role on the Minnesota Vikings 90-man training camp roster, it’s a big week. They’re making adjustments and assessments based on their first preseason game. Meanwhile, Kevin O’Connell and his coaching staff is also preparing for their next exhibition opponent, the New England Patriots.

On Wednesday and Thursday, those same Pats –lead by head coach Mike Vrabel, 2024 No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, and the infamous Stefon Diggs — will visit TCO Performance Center in Eagan for two days of joint practices against the Vikings, leading up to their officially unofficial preseason contest Saturday.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Claim New Offensive Lineman

Fans will be welcome for these joint practice sessions, which will heavily feature both team’s healthy starters, many of which will not take a snap during either of the teams’ three preseason games. Thus, they are setup to be incredibly competitive and physical, but in a more controlled environment.

One player spectators in Eagan may not get to see as much, during this week’s joint practices, is Max Brosmer. That’s because these practices will be used to prepare QB1 JJ McCarthy and test QB2 Sam Howell, more so than get deeper looks at Brosmer and Brett Rypien.

The expectation is that we will see lots of those two, come Saturday’s preseason matchup between the Patriots and Vikings.

But for those inside of TCO Performance Center, this week is much more important. Not only do they have another preseason game on Saturday against the New England Patriots, once dominant AFC contender is coming to town a few days early for a couple midweek joint practice sessions too.

It’s at this week’s joint practices where many MN Vikings starters, on both sides of the football, will get most of their training camp and preseason work in. These joint practices are competitive and, by design, incredibly intense.

Minnesota Vikings player stocks on the rise entering week 2 of preseason

Without a doubt, this week’s visit from the Pats will help Minnesota’s coaching staff decipher who on the Vikings’ 90-man roster is a contender for final spots on the regular season 53-man roster, compared to who is a pretender.

These sessions will also go a long way toward deciding position battles that are being had throughout the depth chart. So, with one 20-10 exhibition victory now in their back pocket and a big week up ahead, let’s take a look at which Vikings players have bumped their training camp stock, thus far.

MN Vikings Stock 📈: QBs Max Brosmer, Sam Howell

This is the only spot where I have two players listed next to each other. That’s because it felt wrong to leave either Max Brosmer or Sam Howell off this list, but I also didn’t want to use up two spaces on depth quarterbacks.

I wrote more on the current standing of the Minnesota Vikings’ QB room, after all three of them played in the first preseason game of the summer on Saturday. But combined, Howell and Brosmer completed 16-of-21 passes for 152 yards and 1 touchdown, immediately answering the 53-man roster questions surrounding both quarterbacks.

For the first week or two of training camp, Sam Howell struggled badly enough to where multiple local beat writers and plugged-in media members were wondering if it was time for the Vikings to start exploring outside backup quarterback options.

If general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in that same headspace, and actively making calls last week on QB options not currently in purple, I’d imagine he hung up the phone by halftime of Minnesota’s preseason win over Houston.

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: JJ McCarthy’s Leadership on Full Display in Vikings Return; O’Connell Giddy…

Howell may not be the best executor of Kevin O’Connell’s offense during the week, especially right now, coming in new. But the one-time UNC standout proved over the weekend that, if needed in a pinch, the soon to be 25-year-old QB with 18 games of starting NFL experience would be a perfectly viable option.

Meanwhile, Max Brosmer has impressed coaches, teammates and media members throughout the early-part of 2025 training camp. Still, most believed the former Gopher was destined for the Vikings’ 2025 practice squad.

Following his performance in week one of the preseason, however, that is no longer a guarantee. With two games remaining, both of which Brosmer is expected to get A LOT of playing time, the 24-year-old has an opportunity to make himself uncuttable by the time Minnesota’s exhibition schedule is completed.

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

Stock 📈: EDGE Gabe Murphy

Gabe Murphy isn’t new to any list that includes Minnesota Vikings training camp standouts. In 2024, after signing as an undrafted free agent, Murphy was one of the earliest rookies to stand out last summer.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at the end of camp that landed him on injured reserve for a large chunk of the regular season. But exactly one year later, Murphy has picked up right where he left off prior to his injury this time last preseason.

Even prior to Saturday’s exhibition contest, Murphy was a player being regularly mentioned as an undrafted free agent making an impact at Minnesota Vikings practices. Against the Texans, he doubled down on that optimism with 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 5 QB hits, disrupting Houston’s plans all afternoon in both their run and pass game.

#Vikings edge rusher Gabriel Murphy was really impressive yesterday. Remember, he had a strong camp last year before his injury:

(@WillRagatz)pic.twitter.com/XUDbI27ESG

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 11, 2025

Murphy finished Saturday’s preseason game with a 80.2 PFF grade on defense, a number that was buoyed by his 85.3 pass rush grade. Neither he nor Bo Richter will wow viewers in pass coverage — Murphy scored a 61.4 coverage grade vs Texans — but Gabe excelled everywhere else (69.6 Run DEF, 72.0 tackle).

There isn’t a lot of room on the Vikings’ 53-man roster at outside linebacker, behind Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner, but Gabe Murphy has to be the current leader for the remaining 1-3 spots that are available.

MN Vikings Stock 📈: K Will Reichard

On Saturday, Will Reichard kicked four total field goals (2 XP, 2 FG) and hit all four in convincing fashion, including a 48-yarder that capped off a 13-play drive from the Minnesota Vikings starters early in the first quarter.

WILL REICHARD WITH THE LEG TO GIVE THE VIKINGS THEIR FIRST POINTS & LEAD OF THE PRESEASON! pic.twitter.com/vBWBvV4QLY

— Adam (@vikingsman_28) August 9, 2025

This time last year, that would not have surprised anyone. Reichard came in as a 6th round pick out of Alabama and Vikings coaches were so impressed by his summer workouts that they cut his veteran competition, John Parker Romo, prior to their first preseason game.

Will Reichard went on to hit 14 of his first 14 regular season NFL field goal attempts, to start out his MN Vikings career (along with a perfect XP mark – 23/23). Unfortunately, the rookie kicking phenom suffered an injury in week 9, which resulted in the first two misses of his career.

Related: Insiders Lukewarm on Minnesota Vikings Future

Reichard was placed on the injured list from week 10 to week 13, and when he returned, he was no longer Mr. Automatic, converting on just 4-of-6 field goal attempts. Both misses came from 40-49 yards, where Will had been automatic since becoming the starter in Alabama.

After getting healthy over the offseason, most fans and media pundits expected the 24-year-old kicker to regain last year’s camp form early this summer. Reality didn’t play out that way, however. Instead, Reichard struggled with accuracy during the first few weeks of training camp.

One of Will Reichard’s misses… with the doink on the left upright. pic.twitter.com/cEsIxKI4Dr

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

Thankfully, over the past week or two, it sounds like Will has turned things around. He was perfect during the Vikings’ night practice last weekend, and hit on all four of his attempts against the Texans. Let’s hope whatever had been going on since last season’s injury is now behind the Minnesota Vikings’ present and future at kicker.

Stock 📈: RB Zavier Scott

Lastly, we cannot make a 2025 Minnesota Vikings camp stock risers list without including rookie undrafted free agent running back, Zavier Scott, who has been one of the top standouts early on in training camp.

Well, on Saturday against the Texans, he did absolutely nothing to slow down his preseason hype train. After his top competition for RB3, Ty Chandler, took 5 handoffs for a total of just 5 yards (1 YPC) — plus 3 receptions for 20 yards — Scott was given his first NFL preseason opportunity.

And he was not going to let it go to waste, rushing 7 times for 40 yards (5.7 YPC), including a 12-yard toss play in the third quarter that showed off his speed and tackle-breaking abilities. Scott, a former wide receiver, also caught one screen pass for 11 yards and a first down.

End zone view of #Vikings RB Zavier Scott's 51 yards from scrimmage on 8 touches against the Texans.

6'1", 219. Former college WR. He's got some juice! pic.twitter.com/pDxIKnrRg9

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 11, 2025

Related: What We Learned About the MN Vikings’ QB Situation vs Texans

I don’t know if the Minnesota Vikings are ready to hand Xavier Scott the RB3 position just yet. But at this point, there is nothing that Ty Chandler does better than Scott out of the backfield (other than being one of the fastest players on the team).

The converted Maine/UConn receiver can run the ball inside and outside, can obviously catch passes at a high level, and unlike Chandler, he can block a little bit too.

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.

That left GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and QB whispering head coach Kevin O’Connell hunting for a new depth quarterback in 2025, to help mentor and backup medical redshirt rookie, JJ McCarthy.

In the end, the Vikings ended up with a mix of upside and veteran experience in their QB room for training camp. Brett Rypien was brought on last year and has a pretty good understanding of KOC’s offense, at this point. But he and his general manager weren’t satisfied with the 28-year-old journeyman who hasn’t seen an active roster since 2023.

Instead, Minnesota surprised everyone during the NFL Draft when they pulled off a trade with the Seattle Seahawks that sent the 142nd overall pick out west, in exchange for 25-year-old former UNC Tar Heel Sam Howell, along with the Seahawks’ 172nd overall pick.

5 backup quarterback options for the Minnesota Vikings

Entering training camp, the Minnesota Vikings were hoping that Sam Howell would quickly grab hold of the QB2 job. Unfortunately, that is not how reality has played out.

Reports from just about every Vikings reporter who’s attended or paid attention to what’s happening at camp in Eagan have all indicated that Howell is off to an extremely rough start and could be in trouble, come cut time.

Sam Howell is not long for this roster.

— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) August 5, 2025

Dwight McGlothern picks off Sam Howell at the end of practice at Vikings Training Camp. pic.twitter.com/ZLZW3ZfodO

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

While more time in O’Connell’s system would certainly help, many wonder whether or not Howell is capable of holding down such an important position for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

If the Vikings ultimately determine that they need a more capable safety valve behind their second-year rookie, who could realistically be available to KOC and Kwesi? Well, let’s dive into a handful of Minnesota’s best potential replacement solutions.

1. Kirk Cousins Returns to Mentor His Replacement

Would this be awkward? Or would Kirk Cousins and his family just be happy to return to Minnesota? Our money is on the latter. Look, Cousins knows he has no shot at ‘winning’ a starting QB job this fall. His best chance is to stay ready, knowing he’s just one snap away from another chance to let ‘er rip.

Kevin O’Connell knows what Cousins brings to the QB room. A player with an advanced level of preparation and a work ethic that could make a lasting mark on the young, impressionable J.J. McCarthy. Are there cap hurdles (Cousins has a $40 million cap hit) to figure out?

Sure, but if the goal is to ensure the quarterback room has at least two capable starters who can win a game in a pinch, then there is no better short-term solution than trading for Cousins.

2. Jameis Winston’s Big-Play Potential Lands in MN

The Vikings brought in Sam Howell, in part because they saw a player with the ceiling of a high-level passer capable of putting up big numbers. Well, Jameis Winston matches that profile to a tee, even if he doesn’t offer untapped potential like the 24-year-old Howell.

Howell led the NFL with 21 interceptions in his second season while the Washington Commanders let him cut it loose. While turnovers are never an ideal outcome, the fact that the Vikings took a chance on a player who is so prone to throwing interceptions suggests there’s a chance they may covet Winston’s cannon arm too.

Related: Jeff Okudah Hype Train Picking Up Steam at Vikings Camp

As bad as the situation is for Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, Winston has it even worse with the New York Giants. Since signing in New York, the Giants have not only anointed Russell Wilson as the starter, they also drafted QB Jaxson Dart in the first round after signing Winston. In other words, not only does he have no short-term future in New York, Dart is the long-term solution too.

That could mean Winston is on the trade block, especially since the Giants still have fan favorite Tommy DeVito on the roster as a fourth-string QB. In other words, trading for Winston likely would cost less than the Vikings spent on Howell (moving down from 142 to 172 in fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft.)

3. Carson Wentz Joins His Favorite Team

While he’s largely been forgotten about now, Carson Wentz once looked like the future of the NFL. But long before the Philadelphia Eagles sent a King’s ransom to the Cleveland Browns to select the former NDSU star with the second overall pick, Wentz grew up as a Vikings fan who idolized Brett Favre.

Wentz has since had a very unique rollercoaster NFL career as someone who was on the cusp of being an MVP candidate and now doesn’t even have a job in the middle of training camp. However, let’s not act like he’s a polished turd either. Remember, Andy Reid still wanted Wentz to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup last season.

The year before he was helping the AFC representatives reach the Super Bowl? Wentz was signed to be Matthew Stafford’s backup, where he learned Sean McVay’s system on the Rams. Basically, it shouldn’t take long for him to get up to speed in coach O’Connell’s system either, and he’s still just 32 years old, so he may still have a bit of magic in him when the chips are down.

4. Vikings Trade for Kenny Pickett

If the Vikings are hung up on the idea of having a capable backup who’s still fairly young with untapped potential, much like they thought they were getting in Howell, then why not Kenny Pickett? The former first-round pick only got 24 starts to prove what he could do before being traded to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles last offseason.

Still just 27, Pickett brings a nice mix of experience and possible untapped potential. Hmm, that sounds a bit like Sam Darnold, before the Vikings fixed him and turned him into a $100 million Pro Bowl QB.

As one of five quarterbacks competing for the Cleveland Browns’ starting job, Pickett could very well find himself on the outside looking in. A fair offer of something like a late Day 3 pick (5th-7th round) should be enough to pry him out of Cleveland.

5. Ryan Tannehill Provides A Steady Hand

This one may seem like it comes from out of left field, as Ryan Tannehill wasn’t even in the NFL last season. However, the Vikings reportedly expressed an interest in signing Tannehill this past offseason when they were seeking veteran QBs who wouldn’t require an additional investment in draft compensation or impact their compensatory pick formula.

Signing Tannehill still wouldn’t impact Minnesota’s compensatory pick outcome for the 2026 NFL Draft, and he would bring 151 starts into the QB room. That’s practically like having another coach, except the Vikings may feel the former Pro Bowl QB can still protect the ball and move the chains with efficiency on the field too.

While there are better options if the Vikings’ backup QB had to hit the field, Tannehill’s veteran experience would be invaluable for a young player like McCarthy. Yet, if there’s one thing we know about KOC, it’s that we can trust his QB plans, whatever they may be.

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.