{"id":248928,"date":"2025-07-30T20:59:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T20:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/248928\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T20:59:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T20:59:11","slug":"insider-tabs-surprise-as-qb2-for-minnesota-vikings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/248928\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider Tabs Surprise as QB2 for Minnesota Vikings"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"BrettCredit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Kevin O\u2019Connell has the Minnesota Vikings back on the field as they prepare for the August 9th preseason opener<\/a> against the Houston Texans. The front seven has shined<\/a> so far in the early going. J.J. McCarthy being under center without restrictions<\/a> is also a talking point.<\/p>\n

There was a time this offseason that Kirk Cousins being added as a veteran backup seemed like a possibility<\/a>. Instead Minnesota made a trade<\/a> for former fifth round pick Sam Howell and that brought depth to the quarterback room.<\/p>\n

\"BrettCredit: Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Max Brosmer joined the roster as an undrafted free agent<\/a>, and Minnesota has not been shy about their love for Brett Rypien<\/a>. Howell would seem to be the favorite for the backup job, but not everyone is sold on that reality.<\/p>\n

Brett Rypien emerging as MN Vikings backup QB<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings have never started Brett Rypien in a game. His last action came for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and he has just 10 professional games<\/a> under his belt. This team likes him though, and The Athletic\u2019s Alec Lewis<\/a> sees enough of it to call him the Vikings backup quarterback.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe backup situation is fluid. Howell performed better throughout the majority of Monday\u2019s practice, but then a throw into traffic resulted in a tipped interception. Rypien must prove he can be consistently accurate to earn the job, and it\u2019s always possible Minnesota could look externally.<\/p>\n

Brosmer\u2019s confidence and consistency are nothing to scoff at, either. The rookie has been rock solid and would be a shoo-in as a practice-squad candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec Lewis \u2013 The Athletic<\/a><\/p>\n

Lewis has both Brosmer and Howell out on the 53-man roster. Of course the Gophers signal caller could wind up on the practice squad. The notable news would be Rypien overtaking Howell for the backup role.<\/p>\n

WHAT A SNAG! pic.twitter.com\/3ahFW9k1FP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) July 29, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

After a successful career with North Carolina, Howell went to the Commanders in the fifth round. He played in a single game during 2022 before starting all 17 in 2023<\/a>. He threw for 3,946 yards with a 21\/21 TD\/INT ratio. It wasn\u2019t good, but there was clearly something to dream on.<\/p>\n

Last season Howell operated as the backup to Geno Smith in Seattle. He brings a veteran presence and level of experience to the MN Vikings, but O\u2019Connell may like his other options better.<\/p>\n

It would be somewhat jarring to see either Rypien or Max Brosmer emerge as the unquestioned backup behind McCarthy. However, the Gophers quarterback has drawn rave reviews<\/a> early on in his pro career.<\/p>\n

Related: Vikings Front Seven Living Up to Hype Early<\/a><\/p>\n

During his one season under P.J. Fleck, Brosmer put together arguably the greatest quarterback season in Gophers history. He threw for 2,828 yards<\/a> with a 66.5% completion rate and 18\/6 TD\/INT. His arm may leave something to be desired, but his instincts are top-notch.<\/p>\n

J.J. McCarthy on Max Brosmer: “Max is the man. Super detail-oriented. Works his butt off. I can’t say enough good things about that guy. An awesome human being, and he can sing pretty well, too. He’s got a song out there. Old Jack Daniels. Check it out.”<\/p>\n

\u2014 Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Rypien seems like an underwhelming option that could be replaced by an run-of-the-mill veteran. If Brosmer elevated himself to the QB2 role with O\u2019Connell\u2019s belief behind him, things could get exciting.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Brett Rypien<\/a> Max Brosmer<\/a> Sam Howell<\/a> Training Camp<\/a> <\/p>\n

More About:Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n

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