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Vikings Reunite with Old Friend

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Carson Wentz taking a snap at midfield during a Vikings vs Steelers game in Dublin
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) takes the snap at midfield on the NFL shield during first-quarter action on Sep 28, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, operating the offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an international showcase as both teams adjust to the overseas stage and early-game tempo. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings’ leaders said in January that they wanted a deep quarterback room this offseason — and they weren’t kidding. The club re-signed Carson Wentz on Thursday, a move to fill out the QB corps next to Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Minnesota now has a proven fallback option with real starting experience.

Wentz will now battle for a QB2 job against McCarthy, though some fringe thinkers believe he even has a chance at the QB1 job.

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The Vikings Wanted More Stability behind Murray

The 33-year-old is back.

Carson Wentz dropping back to pass against the Chargers during a Vikings game. Carson Wentz Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back and scans the field during second-half action on Oct 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, facing pressure from the Los Angeles Chargers defense as he looks to extend the play and find an open receiver downfield. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.

Wentz Re-Signs in MIN

If you enjoyed Wentz’s five starts in purple and gold last season, you are in luck, and there shall be a sequel.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote Thursday, “The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with quarterback Carson Wentz on a one-year deal Thursday, adding to their depth in a key year for them at the position. Wentz, who started five games last season as the Vikings’ backup, joins a group that includes newcomer Kyler Murray along with incumbents J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer.”

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“The Vikings have been determined to upgrade the position after injuries and poor performances were largely responsible for them missing the playoffs in 2023 and 2025. Speaking last week after signing Murray, coach Kevin O’Connell declined to name a starter or to discuss in detail his plans for the position. Murray is the heavy favorite to win the job, but the Vikings have not fully given up on McCarthy.”

With Murray, McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer in the house, the QB room is totally full.

The 2025 Numbers

Among the 40 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks in 2025, Wentz ranked 25th in EPA per play. McCarthy, by comparison, ranked much lower at 37th — a position typically held by rookies or developing quarterbacks. This disparity was particularly evident in situations requiring sustained drives.

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How, then, did the offense function under each quarterback? Wentz prioritized efficiency, relying on quick reads and shorter throws. This approach minimized negative plays, a necessity given the offensive line’s struggles. The running game offered little support, as Aaron Jones played in only one of Wentz’s five starts.

What about scoring? With Wentz at quarterback, Minnesota exceeded 20 points in four of his five starts, including a 48-point performance against Cincinnati. McCarthy reached this mark in only four of his ten starts. While not always seamless, the offense demonstrated greater consistency with Wentz under center.

Wentz completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. McCarthy, while capable of generating bigger plays through riskier throws, lacked Wentz’s consistent drive-to-drive execution.

Now, the duo might duke it out this summer for the QB2 post.

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The Role

Some fans got the notification to their phones that Wentz had re-signed, and they thought: Boom — there’s the QB3. Others interpreted the transaction as an anti-McCarthy maneuver, meaning Wentz was re-signed because O’Connell and his coaching staff don’t even trust the youngster with QB2 duty, let alone the QB1 job, which he held last year.

In all likelihood, because McCarthy faced zero competition for the QB1 job last year, he’ll be pushed to the limit this summer at training camp and in the preseason to hold off Wentz for the QB2 job.

On the other hand, Ben Leber, a former Vikings linebacker, tweeted Thursday that he expected Wentz to win the starter’s job, putting Murray on notice and on track for a QB2 assignment.

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Carson Wentz on the field before a Commanders game against the Jaguars. Carson Wentz Vikings
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) stands on the field during pregame warmups on Sep 11, 2022, at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, preparing for a season-opening matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he readies himself for his debut with the franchise. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports.

SKOR North‘s Judd Zulgad opined Thursday on Wentz’s upcoming role: “That would leave Wentz as the No. 3 quarterback, and it’s difficult to believe he signed on March 19 to accept a role as the backup to the backup. It’s more likely that Murray will open training camp as the starter with Wentz behind him.”

“The Vikings can’t be blamed for wanting more quarterback depth after what happened last season when injuries to McCarthy and Wentz forced Max Brosmer into taking on a role he wasn’t ready to assume. Privately, the Vikings also could point to the fact that McCarthy wasn’t nearly as ready for the starting job as they had hoped.”

Two QBs Who Grew Up as Fans of the Vikings

Wentz grew up in North Dakota and loved the Vikings as a kid and teenager. He talked at length about the connection when Minnesota signed him last summer. Murray came up in Texas, but for some reason, he also cheered for the Vikings, and he has never been shy about announcing it.

Yes, two guys who were reared by the Adrian Peterson era of Vikings football found their way to the same roster.

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Carson Wentz warming up before a Vikings game against the Bengals. Carson Wentz Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) goes through pregame warmups on Sep 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focusing on throws and timing as he prepares for a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, offering an early glimpse of his routine before stepping onto the field for kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

This development is important to mention because free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill also rooted for the Vikings as a kid — and Minnesota may need a WR3 this offseason if it doesn’t trust last year’s rookie Tai Felton with the job and doesn’t draft a new wide receiver in April. Jalen Nailor left for the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

Childhood fandom apparently matters in the free-agent decision-making process.

Wentz will turn 34 at the end of December. He is nearing a full recovery from his torn labrum that ended his 2025 season.


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Former Vikings LB Tweets the Boldest QB Take Imaginable

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Ex-Vikings LB Ben Leber in London in 2025
Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings former linebacker Ben Leber watches during an NFL International Series game against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings re-upped with quarterback Carson Wentz on Thursday, and according to one of the team’s former linebackers, Ben Leber, a beloved member of the Vikings community, Wentz is in line to start as the QB1 in 2026 — not Kyler Murray.

Leber’s depth-chart idea turns a quiet signing into a real debate.

Most onlookers expect Wentz to end up with the QB3 job, not the QB1 title.

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Leber’s QB Take Puts Carson Wentz Front and Center

Leber brings the heat on VikingsTwitter.

Ben Leber celebrating during a Vikings game against the Cowboys at the Metrodome. Ben Leber Vikings
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Leber (51) celebrates with intensity during the fourth quarter on Oct 17, 2010, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, reacting to a key moment as the Vikings close out a narrow 24-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in front of a charged home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.

Leber: Wentz is the Vikings’ QB1

Minnesota added Wentz, and most fans didn’t bat an eye, as the veteran did a serviceable job holding down the fort during J.J. McCarthy’s absence (high ankle sprain) last September and October. And Wentz played so well — evidently — that Leber envisions a starter’s job in 2026.

He tweeted after the Wentz addition, “I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz, Murray, McCarthy. May the best man win.”

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Here’s the full tweet:

A Record-Scratch Moment

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Most Twitter (X) users read Leber’s comments a few times to confirm Leber’s account was real and not a parody. That happens.

But it was not parody, and Leber meant what he tweeted. Wentz met with the New York Jets one week ago to explore a relationship with Aaron Glenn’s team, where he could possibly start or serve as the QB2 behind the newly acquired Geno Smith. In the end, Wentz and the Jets did not reach an agreement, and Wentz came back to Minnesota.

Wentz must believe he can win the QB2 job over McCarthy. Or — if Leber is correct, against all odds, fans might be watching a Murray v. Wentz battle at training camp in Eagan.

SI.com‘s Jonathan Harrison on Leber’s bold take: “That would be shocking for numerous reasons. First off, with other options still available to him, Murray decided to sign with the Vikings after his release from Arizona. Presumably, that would mean he was told by the Vikings’ coaching staff he would be the starter or have a good shot at winning the ‘competition.’ There is no definitive answer, and there likely won’t be one until we see the snap distributions at training camp.”

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“When pressed at a press conference following the Murray signing, O’Connell said he doesn’t have to name a starter now. Minnesota is a team that views itself as a contender. If it’s true that Wentz would have kept the job had he stayed healthy, his return likely signals that McCarthy really isn’t in the competition at all.”

The Wentz Numbers a Season Ago

With Wentz, Murray, and McCarthy perhaps duking it out via Battle Royale — per Leber — for the starting quarterback spot this summer, let’s take another look at how Wentz played in 2025.

The offense hummed more steadily with Wentz calling the shots. Minnesota scored over 20 points in four of the five games he started, even crushing the Cincinnati Bengals by 38 points. McCarthy, on the other hand, only hit that 20-point mark four times in ten starts, and his performance was all over the place week to week.

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Out of 40 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks, Wentz was 25th in EPA per play, while McCarthy was way down at 37th — usually where you find rookies or guys who are still figuring things out. This difference was super clear on those long drives where you need to be patient.

Carson Wentz speaking at a press conference in Dublin before an international game. Ben Leber Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) addresses media members during a press conference on Sep 26, 2025, at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland, speaking ahead of an international matchup as the team prepares for its overseas appearance and engages with local and traveling reporters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Why the difference? It mostly comes down to style. Wentz liked to make quick decisions and throw short passes, which kept the offense moving and reduced mistakes, even though the offensive line wasn’t always reliable. Plus, the run game didn’t help much, since Aaron Jones only played in one of those five games. McCarthy, though, preferred to throw the ball deep and take some risks, which led to some big plays but wasn’t as consistent.

Wentz completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. McCarthy had more of those exciting, long plays, but his execution wasn’t as steady from drive to drive. Generally speaking, Wentz ran a smoother offensive operation, even if his performance was mediocre.

McCarthy on Notice?

Let’s be frank: McCarthy has experienced an absolutely dreadful offseason. The offseason from hell, in fact.

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  1. The guy who drafted him, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, got fired on January 30th. If the Vikings owners ever needed something to scapegoat the McCarthy draft pick, well, they already have it by canning the man who nominated McCarthy as the franchise quarterback.
  2. The Vikings signed Murray, who has a better resume than McCarthy per efficiency by leaps and bounds. When Minnesota signed Murray one week ago, McCarthy was demoted with the snap of two fingers. Not good news for the guy lined up as the franchise quarterback in 2024.
  3. One week later, Minnesota signed competition in Wentz for McCarthy’s QB2 job. It’s like a nightmare for a young passer in the middle of his development.
Carson Wentz warming up before a Vikings game against the Eagles. Ben Leber Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz goes through pregame warmups on Oct 19, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, preparing for a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles while working through throws and timing drills as part of his routine before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

McCarthy strutted into the summer of 2025 with the QB1 logo on his chest. Now, he must fight to avoid a QB3 fate.


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Which one should you choose?

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Crimson Desert on PC allows players to pick between controller or mouse and keyboard as the primary input schemes. That said, which is the better option? The answer honestly depends on user preferences, but in this case, the controller is more preferable. This is even though it might seem counterintuitive at first glance.

Here’s all you need to know about using a controller versus a keyboard in Crimson Desert on PC. Read on to know more.

Also Read: Best beginner’s tips and tricks for Crimson Desert


Why controller is better than mouse and keyboard for Crimson Desert on PC

Controller input scheme (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)Controller input scheme (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)
Controller input scheme (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)

Keyboard & mouse is the staple combo for PC players, largely due to its versatility, thanks to offering several buttons to map controls down to. Crimson Desert is also a complex game, mechanically speaking. As such, several inputs requiring double button presses on the controller are simplified to a single input on keyboard, such as grab. As such, at first glance, it may seem like the keyboard is the way to go.

However, the controller is simply a lot more user-friendly in the long run. This is not just due to better ergonomics, but also because this is a third-person action game. For example, the action combos are easier to input on a controller due to the buttons being easier to reach in the heat of combat.

Keyboard controls menu (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)Keyboard controls menu (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)
Keyboard controls menu (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Pearl Abyss)

This is better than them being separated on PC, as Punch/Kick on keyboard, but Light/Heavy Attack being tied to the mouse, which can be jarring in action. Furthermore, since developer Pearl Abyss has to fit a complex control scheme on a relatively limited set of buttons, the controller scheme has also been better thought out.

The downside here is that players will have to contend with some finicky inputs, especially when trying to press two buttons to perform Grab versus one on the keyboard. Thankfully, Crimson Desert is a massive game, so there will be enough time to get used to these somewhat unorthodox inputs over time.

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