The Minnesota Vikings are navigating a challenging quarterback situation as they prepare for the 2025 season. With J.J. McCarthy set as the starter, the backup role remains a source of uncertainty following the loss of veteran quarterbacks to other teams in free agency. Daniel Jones, who was a potential option, signed with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving the Vikings without a seasoned backup.

Adding to their troubles, Joe Flacco and Drew Lock have also found new homes, signing with the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks, respectively. Flacco, now 40, was expected to provide mentorship, while Lock's experience as a starter was seen as an asset. As the Vikings' options dwindle, Carson Wentz remains available, but a trade may be necessary to secure a suitable backup for McCarthy, who will be under immense pressure in a critical season.

The NFL quarterback landscape is shifting as several veteran quarterbacks have found new homes, including Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns, Drew Lock rejoining the Seattle Seahawks, and Josh Johnson returning for his 18th season with the Washington Commanders. This movement leaves a few key QB slots still open as the upcoming draft looms, with notable names like Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, and Tyler Huntley still looking for teams. As the free agent market continues to get reshuffled, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings are eyeing potential fits for their rosters.

Rodgers, a perennial Pro Bowler, is at a crossroads, weighing whether to continue his illustrious career or retire. Meanwhile, Tannehill seeks employment after a season off, and Wentz looks to rebound from an uninspiring backup role. With the draft approaching, the situation presents a unique opportunity for teams to recalibrate their quarterback depth charts.

The Minnesota Vikings are exploring their options at quarterback as they weigh the potential of J.J. McCarthy versus the possibility of signing veteran Aaron Rodgers. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah indicated a preference for McCarthy while leaving the door open for other prospects.

Several backup quarterbacks are available, including Ryan Tannehill, who might be ready for a comeback, Joe Flacco, a reliable presence in the locker room, and Carson Wentz, who has valuable experience. Kirk Cousins is unlikely to return, and Teddy Bridgewater could be an unexpected option. The Vikings may not make a signing until after the draft to preserve their compensatory picks.

The Cleveland Browns are casting a wide net in their search for a veteran quarterback, reportedly expressing interest in former first-round pick Carson Wentz. This comes amid speculation surrounding other quarterback options like Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins. Wentz, who has not served as a starting QB since 2022, has had a tumultuous career, having been a backup for notable players like Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes.

A return to Cleveland would be poetic since the team once traded the rights to draft him back in 2016. However, experts suggest that acquiring Wentz will not drastically alter the Browns' trajectory and they may still pursue younger options, leveraging their second overall pick in the upcoming draft.