Vikings’ QB Carousel Continues as Rookie Max Brosmer Struggles in Debut vs. Seahawks
The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation in 2025 has been, to put it lightly, a revolving door - and Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks only added another chapter to what’s been a season-long saga under center.
With rookie JJ McCarthy still in concussion protocol following a rough outing against the Packers - a game that included a now-infamous self-sack - the Vikings turned to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer for his first NFL start. It was a bold move, and one that quickly turned into a cautionary tale.
Midway through the second quarter, trailing just 3-0 and facing a 4th-and-1 from deep in their own territory, the Vikings made a high-risk decision: go for it. Now, aggressive play-calling isn’t new to head coach Kevin O’Connell, but this particular gamble backfired in dramatic fashion.
Brosmer took the snap and immediately found himself under siege. A Seahawks defender blew through the line untouched, forcing Brosmer to retreat all the way back to the 25-yard line - a full 24 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
What happened next was the stuff of quarterback nightmares. Instead of taking the sack and living to fight another down (or at least avoid disaster), Brosmer attempted a desperation throw that landed directly in the hands of a Seattle defender.
The result? A pick-six that left Vikings fans stunned and social media ablaze.
It was the kind of play that gets replayed on loop - not because it was brilliant, but because it was baffling.
The Vikings, now the fifth team this season to start three different quarterbacks, were already walking a tightrope with their QB depth. With McCarthy sidelined and veteran Nick Mullens also unavailable, Minnesota signed former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder to the practice squad. However, upon returning to Minnesota, Ridder was also placed in the league’s concussion protocol, adding yet another twist to this already chaotic quarterback carousel.
“It had to be late, based upon how the game went,” O’Connell said, referring to the timing of McCarthy’s symptoms that led to his placement in the protocol.
It’s been that kind of year for the Vikings - a team with playoff aspirations now scrambling just to field a healthy quarterback. And while Brosmer’s debut will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, it also underscores just how thin the margin for error is when you're dipping deep into the depth chart.
At 3-0, the game was still within reach. But one play - one misread, one moment of panic - flipped the script entirely. That’s life in the NFL, especially when you're starting an undrafted rookie against a defense that knows how to bring pressure.
The Vikings’ front office now faces a critical stretch. With McCarthy’s status uncertain and Ridder not yet cleared, Minnesota may have to make another move - or hope that one of their current options can stabilize the position long enough to keep the season from slipping away.
For now, one thing is clear: the Vikings' quarterback situation is as unsettled as any in the league. And unless someone steps up soon, it could be a long winter in Minnesota.