Jul 18, 2026, 4:24 PM CUT
Ex-Chiefs QB receives surprising praise from Vikings head coach
USA AMERICAN FOOTBALL NFL, American Football Herren, USA - Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers epa12477385 Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz looks to pass the ball during the first half of the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, California, USA, 23 October 2025. Inglewood United States PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxINDxONLY Copyright: xCAROLINExBREHMANx
USA AMERICAN FOOTBALL NFL, American Football Herren, USA - Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers epa12477385 Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz looks to pass the ball during the first half of the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, California, USA, 23 October 2025. Inglewood United States PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxINDxONLY Copyright: xCAROLINExBREHMANx
Former Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz is still drawing attention in the NFL, with his recent journey earning praise from an unexpected place.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell recently reflected on Carson Wentz's time with the team during an interview with Ed Easton Jr., praising the veteran quarterback's experience and the value he brings to a young quarterback room.
"Carson (Wentz) brings so much knowledge; he brings so much knowledge of just the different stages of the quarterback journey, as well,” O'Connell said. “We're so fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring him in a year ago.”
O'Connell also pointed out that Wentz made an impact even with limited time to prepare.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz 11 looks on before the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Packers at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260104099
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz 11 looks on before the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Packers at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260104099
"I think it was three or four days before training camp ended. He really didn't get a lot of training camp time," O’Connell said in his interview with Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. "And then when Carson played for us, he played pretty darn well; it was a really good fit in our offense."
Last offseason, reports revealed that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid supported Wentz as a free-agent addition for O’Connell and the Vikings.
Wentz's experience extends well beyond his recent stops in Kansas City and Minnesota. During the 2017 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he earned Pro Bowl honors after throwing for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns in 13 starts.
During his time with the Vikings, Wentz started five games and finished with 1,216 passing yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Wentz's career has included stops with several teams, but O'Connell believes that experience is exactly what makes him valuable.
After spending the 2024 season backing up Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, Wentz joined Minnesota and has become another experienced voice in the quarterback room while helping mentor the team's younger passers.
Beyond O’Connell’s comments, Wentz’s presence in Minnesota has also drawn attention from former Vikings coach Brad Childress.
Kevin O'Connell shares insight on Carson Wentz’s role in Minnesota
Former Vikings head coach Brad Childress recently shared his thoughts on Carson Wentz, who is competing for a spot in Minnesota’s quarterback rotation alongside Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer.
Speaking on the Minnesota Star Tribune’s “Daily Delivery” podcast, Childress explained why having an experienced quarterback like Wentz remains valuable as the Vikings evaluate their options at the position.
“And so you know, that was on your mind, but it’s always on your mind,” Childress said. “If you don’t have [a quarterback], you’re always looking for one, and that’s everybody across the NFL.”
O'Connell's endorsement, along with Childress' perspective, underscores why Wentz continues to earn opportunities around the league even after his time in Kansas City.
Do you think Carson Wentz’s experience can help the Vikings’ young quarterbacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Written by
Divyanshi Raj
Edited by
Rudra Dubey