As a rule, no one should ever make too much out of a preseason performance, even from a quarterback. That said, the Minnesota Vikings may have found something interesting in undrafted signal-caller Max Brosmer based on how he played against the Houston Texans on Saturday, August 9.
Brosmer was the star of the Minnesota offense in multiple ways against Houston. He finished the day with the highest passer rating (118.2) after connecting on 5-of-8 attempts for 47 yards and the team’s only passing touchdown of the afternoon.
He played more and better than starter J.J. McCarthy, who completed 4-of-7 passes for 30 yards. However, it was third-string quarterback Brett Rypien whom Brosmer particularly outshined. Rypien went 1-for-4 passing for just six yards and took two sacks, which cost Minnesota 13 yards total.
Brosmer, who played last year for the University of Minnesota, entered the preseason as QB4 on the Vikings’ depth chart. He probably hasn’t played his way out of that spot yet, as Rypien is a holdover from last year, has more experience in the league (10 games played, four starts) and offers some things in the video room and the like that head coach Kevin O’Connell values.
That said, if Brosmer continues to play well in August, he could definitely find himself in the QB3 position after leapfrogging Rypien on the depth chart. And if Minnesota doesn’t bring in another quarterback to replace Sam Howell as McCarthy’s backup before the season begins, there is a chance Brosmer could even elevate to the QB2 spot at some point during his rookie campaign.
Max Brosmer’s Age, Hometown Status Provide Him Advantages With Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer.
Brosmer, 24, has a couple of notable things going for him.
The first is his age. NFL teams are sometimes squeamish about adding players as old as Brosmer because that projects to fewer years of professional football. However, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix were first-round picks in 2024 and played their rookie campaigns at 23 and 24 years old, respectively. Both led their teams to the playoffs.
Brosmer is probably more mature and less intimidated than most players two or three years his junior entering the same set of circumstances. Mentality, confidence and mental acuity are vital elements to the quarterback position. It appears Brosmer has all three, which puts him ahead of the game from the jump.
Brosmer is also playing in the same state and the same city where he spent his last year of college football. The hometown hero narrative always plays well with fans, and the familiarity with his surroundings should provide real continuity for Brosmer as he makes the jump from the NCAA to the NFL.
Brett Rypien Can Remain in Current Role for Vikings Even if Max Brosmer Overtakes Him on Depth Chart
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Rypien.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic projected earlier this summer that Brosmer will catch on in Minnesota and will remain in the league for years to come.
“Intriguing is the best way to describe his spring,” Lewis wrote on July 2. “Multiple staffers raved about his ability to pick up small intricacies. His professional approach and ability to process should keep him in the league for a while.”
Lewis also noted Rypien’s particular value to Minnesota.
“Few inside the building know the Vikings’ offensive system as well as Rypien,” Lewis continued. “He’s a trusted vet. He orchestrates the scout team for the defense. He’s sharp in the quarterback room, one of the valued voices behind the scenes.”
Rypien can drop to QB4 and remain in that role, which was essentially where he found himself at the end of last season after the Vikings added Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, Brosmer may prove he has more to offer on the field than Rypien, and potentially even Howell.
Tyson Bagent landed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has been the backup QB ever since. Considering O’Connell’s eye for signal-callers, there is reason for real optimism where Brosmer is concerned, and his first preseason showing only added more credence to that notion.
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