The Minnesota Vikings made headlines when they overhauled their quarterback room, trading backup Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signing veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup quarterback. The move came just days before the final roster cuts. But it highlighted the team’s urgency to find the right veteran presence behind JJ McCarthy.

The former Eagles quarterback, who spent last season backing up Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, now brings nearly a decade of NFL experience to a young Vikings quarterback room. Wentz, 32, appeared in three games (one start) with the Chiefs, throwing for 118 yards without a touchdown. He remained unsigned through much of the offseason after Kansas City replaced him with Gardner Minshew, leaving him waiting for the right call.

That call came from Minnesota, and Wentz didn’t hesitate. In his first comments since signing, he spoke about how much he admires J.J. McCarthy, calling him “a great kid” and praising his college résumé before last year’s injury. Wentz described that injury as “heartbreaking,” but he’s eager to help McCarthy handle the challenge of being the team’s leader and make the transition into the NFL as smooth as possible.

In his first comments since signing with the Vikings, Carson Wentz made it clear how he feels about McCarthy. Wentz called him “a great kid” and showed respect for what McCarthy did in college before last season’s injury. He said it was “heartbreaking” to see the injury ruin McCarthy’s early momentum. But he wants to help the young quarterback handle the challenge of being the team’s leader.

A reporter asked this question: “What have you been thinking about helping JJ? Like, what’s kind of at the top of your list as far as knowing the shoes he’s in right now?”

Carson Wentz said, “I think it just comes with kind of feeling out his personality, what he needs, all the things. I mean, he hasn’t even prepped for a game week in the NFL yet, you know? So, just yesterday, it was talking about what’s a normal routine, what time are we going to get here, all the things. And so, I think he’s very receptive to ideas and whatever. And so, we’re going to work together on that and just try and help him kind of settle in and all those things.”

Then the veteran QB pointed to McCarthy’s newfound captaincy experience as proof he’s matured, while reminding that he’s only 22 and new to all this. “I’m excited to help him in any way I can,” Carson said, reflecting on his own young QB experience with sudden expectations. He concluded, “I think he’ll do a great job. I think he seems very willing to grow, to learn, to be challenged, all the things. I can tell he carries a lot of respect from all the guys in the locker room, too. So, yeah, it’s exciting to work with him.”

Carson Wentz also spoke about his own Philly experience, where he rose so fast before injuries derailed him. His message to McCarthy: it’s still football. He understands how quickly things can get out of hand in the NFL and reasserted that early maturity was key, learning from mistakes, and humility. With Kevin’s decision for McCarthy to serve as the leader of the offense in Minnesota, Wentz’s leadership can be just as vital as his spot on the depth chart.

Carson Wentz comes full circle with the Vikings!

Settling in Minnesota wasn’t just a football transaction for Carson Wentz. It was personal. “It’s been a whirlwind… exciting to come to a place that I’ve had a ton of respect for since I’ve been in the NFL. And I also grew up cheering for the Vikings, so it’s surreal in that way,” he said. So, more than a move, it was a return to the team that shaped his Sundays as a kid.

Walking through the Vikings’ facility, Wentz admitted it felt like stepping back into his childhood. He pointed to the jerseys of players he once idolized, with Brett Favre chief among them. “When Brett was here during those years, that was really special to grow up. That was like right about the time that I was all in.” Add in the bonus of reuniting with Brian Hoyer, an old Colts teammate, and the homecoming vibe only got stronger.

On the field, it’s been a crash course. Wentz signed quickly, uprooted his family, and dived into Kevin O’Connell’s system with little prep time. But the vet isn’t fazed. “It’s never easy. New playbook every year, but there’s overlap with spots I’ve been in… The guys, the coaches—Max and JJ—have been helpful. I’m diving in and doing okay so far,” he said. His take on being a backup? Simple: “A willingness to put the team first… stay after to help a guy, watch extra film.”

And that’s the kicker. This isn’t about Wentz chasing old glory. It’s about leaning into a role that fits him now, with the team he once dreamed of playing for. As The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted, Wentz’s Rams background meshes well with O’Connell’s scheme, and Josh McCown’s history with him (Josh served as the backup behind Wentz in 2019) only strengthens the fit. The Vikings get a steady hand behind J.J. McCarthy, while Wentz finally lands in the place his younger self always hoped he would. Childhood dream, meet NFL reality.