The Minnesota Vikings took a strategic approach to rebuild their quarterback depth following the departures of Sam Darnold (to the Seahawks), Daniel Jones (to the Colts), and Nick Mullens (to the Jaguars).
After keeping an eye on the dwindling market for veteran backups, the Vikings made a move on Saturday, acquiring Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell in a trade. Howell, with just one season as a starter, is expected to be the backup behind J.J. McCarthy.
Still in need of another arm for offseason activities, the Vikings didn’t have to look far. Just hours after the draft, they signed 19 undrafted rookie free agents, including Max Brosmer, the Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback. Brosmer, 24, landed a significant deal with $250,000 in guarantees, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Brosmer, a transfer from New Hampshire, led the FCS in passing yards before joining the Gophers. In his one season with Minnesota in 2024, he set a program record for single-season completions (268), passing for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 66.5% completion rate. He’s particularly skilled at delivering passes over the middle of the field, an area that aligns well with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme.
However, Brosmer’s downfield passing could use improvement, and his tendency to make receivers work harder for catches is a noted weakness. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler highlighted his inconsistency outside of structured plays, but praised his intelligence and drive—traits that could help him secure a backup role in the NFL.
Brosmer joins Brett Rypien on the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart, which now features four quarterbacks heading into minicamps this May. Though he starts near the bottom, there’s a clear opportunity for him to compete for a roster spot this summer.
J.J. McCarthy, still just 22 years old, remains the youngest quarterback on the roster.
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