The Minnesota Vikings have made a strategic move to bolster their quarterback situation by signing veteran John Wolford to their practice squad. This decision comes on the heels of a season-ending injury to Carson Wentz, prompting the team to seek additional depth behind starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Wolford, who initially went undrafted, began his career with the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent two seasons playing under now-Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. With experiences spanning seven games over three NFL seasons, Wolford has completed 58.7% of his passes, amassing 626 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. However, it’s worth noting that he has not seen any action on the field since 2022.
While Wolford’s addition provides the Vikings with added depth, it doesn’t fully address the team’s need for a more secure backup behind McCarthy, who is recovering from an injury. The Vikings may be contemplating a trade before the deadline on November 4 to bring in a more experienced quarterback to ensure competitiveness.
Potential trade candidates that have emerged include familiar former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who, despite being in decline and having a significant contract, could integrate seamlessly into the Minnesota offense. On the other hand, both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston present more appealing financial options, making them worth considering. Wilson, who is under contract until 2026, brings his past accolades, while Winston, signed through next season, offers significant upside with his powerful throwing ability, albeit with a propensity for turnovers.
This proactive approach by the Vikings not only addresses immediate concerns in their quarterback lineup but also highlights a larger strategy to ensure they remain competitive heading into the latter part of the season.