The Minnesota Vikings are set with their 53-man roster. To the surprise of many who have not watched the Vikings’ preseason games, rookie undrafted free agent quarterback Max Brosmer earned a spot.
J.J. McCarthy is still the team’s starter.
But Brosmer already has a fan base in the area. His making an NFL roster, let alone the “hometown” Vikings, garnered plenty of attention.
“Vikings had at least two undrafted free agents make their 53-man roster: QB Max Brosmer and G Joe Huber,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X on August 26, noting “feel good” stories around the league for UDFAs.”
“It’s official,” 247 Sports Ryan Burns posted on X on August 26. “#Gophers QB Max Brosmer goes from a UDFA to making the Vikings 53-man roster.”
Gopher Hole celebrated Brosmer and fellow alumni tight end Nick Kallerup of the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Danny Striggow making the 53-man roster for their respective teams, posting “Ski U Mah,” the team’s motto, in a post on X.
Max Brosmer Part of Vikings’ ‘Biggest Move’
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell got an early glimpse at Max Brosmer.
Retaining Brosmer leaves the Vikings with a noteworthy dearth of NFL experience at the game’s most critical position. McCarthy missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus. Former No. 3 overall pick (2016) Carson Wentz is the Vikings’ other QB.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted the Vikings’ QB shuffle was their “biggest move” of the cut deadline.
“The Vikings’ most notable decision to date is shaking up the depth at quarterback behind new starter J.J. McCarthy,” Seifert wrote on August 26.
“It’s sometimes said that debate over a backup quarterback is irrelevant, because if a starter is injured, then a team’s chances to win will decrease no matter who takes over. In the Vikings’ case, however, a backup quarterback would be playing for a team that owners Zygi and Mark Wilf have committed more than $350 million in cash to put on the field. It’s critical that a level of performance be maintained no matter who is behind center.”
Brosmer threw for 364 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception for the Vikings in the preseason.
The regular season is a different challenge, though. Having Wentz on hand allows the Vikings to protect themselves in case McCarthy falters, so that head coach Kevin O’Connell does not have to put the hopes of a playoff-ready roster on the right arm of a UDFA in Brosmer.
‘Theory’ Sees Max Brosmer Move Up Depth Chart
GettyMax Brosmer #12 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts a pass against the New England Patriots.
Wentz could get the first crack at the Vikings’ starting role if something happens to McCarthy, but that does not mean he will hold Brosmer off forever.
SKOR North’s Judd Zulgad believes there is a scenario in which Brosmer overtakes Wentz as the Vikings’ QB2 on the depth chart. Moreover, Zulgad projected Brosmer could make the move before Christmas, when the Broncos will visit the Kansas City Chiefs.
Zulgad presented his “theory” to the “Purple Daily” panel.
“Carson Wentz holds the place for now of the backup QB,” Zulgad said on August 26. “This also takes any pressure off if you had named Max Bromer the backup, right, which would have been a huge ask immediately. And there would have been people like, ‘Oh my! If McCarthy gets hurt, he plays.’ But now, you have the time to quietly transition the depth chart in one day, let’s say in November, Max Bromer is QB2, which, as I – I think that’s where this is going.”
Wentz is on a veteran’s minimum deal, so the Vikings’ commitment to him should be limited at best.
The Vikings have had an eye on Brosmer for some time, bolstering his outlook.
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