The Minnesota Vikings’ issues with J.J. McCarthy’s health have persisted this season after he sustained an injury in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. In his absence, veteran quarterback Carson Wentz stepped in for Week 3 and delivered a commanding performance, guiding Minnesota to a dominant 48-10 victory.
Wentz played decently in the Vikings’ Week 4 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now he is preparing to play the Cleveland Browns in London. It’s a good time to revisit when the team signed him, along with his contract, salary, and free agency history, especially as he starts for his sixth team in as many seasons.
Carson Wentz’s NFL Journey From Eagles To Vikings
Carson Wentz was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the highest-selected FCS quarterback in draft history.
He spent his first five seasons in Philadelphia, experiencing a career of highs and lows. In 2017, when the Eagles won the Super Bowl behind backup Nick Foles, Wentz was enjoying an MVP-caliber season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 14 against the Rams.
However, from that point on, Wentz was unable to regain the magic he once had during that season and found himself being traded to the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 2021 campaign. Wentz lasted only one season with the Colts before he was once again traded, this time to the Washington Commanders.
His time with the Commanders was short-lived, as he was released in February following the 2022 season. Wentz then spent the 2023 and 2024 campaigns with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, appearing in just five games over those two years before landing with the Minnesota Vikings.
Wentz Contract and Salary
This offseason, Wentz signed a one-year deal with the Vikings worth $1.42 million, including $167,500 guaranteed. The decision has paid off handsomely, as Wentz stepped in while McCarthy recovers from a high ankle sprain and delivered a standout performance in Week 3.
Wentz led Minnesota to its best offensive performance of the season in Week 3, completing 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, with no turnovers, in a 48-10 win over the Bengals. In Week 4, Wentz threw for 350 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Vikings lost 24-21.
Head Coach O’Connell has suggested that Wentz will remain the starter as long as McCarthy is sidelined and declined to guarantee McCarthy’s immediate return to the lineup once healthy.
He also acknowledged there is value in McCarthy observing a veteran like Wentz lead the offense, especially as the young quarterback continues to recover and build experience. Heading into the Week 5 game against the Browns, the Vikings have the 26th-ranked offense in the league based on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
