Vikings claim quarterback on waivers to reunite with the team

The Minnesota Vikings are in a tough quarterback situation. Young passer J.J. McCarthy suffered a hand fracture in last week's victory over the New York Giants, thrusting undrafted free agent Max Brosmer into the game.

Now, with a short week ahead of the Vikings, Minnesota will have to start someone other than their first-round draft pick in 2024 at quarterback. Even if Brosmer gets the nod, the purple and gold will need some depth in case something rough happens against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day.

Thankfully, the Vikings made a transaction on Tuesday to ensure that there is an emergency plan in place to prepare for a game that could potentially knock a division opponent out of the playoff picture this season.

The Minnesota Vikings have brought quarterback Brett Rypien back to the team after claiming him off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they have claimed quarterback Brett Rypien off waivers after the Indianapolis Colts released him on Monday. This reunites the passer with the purple and gold.

Brett Rypien was a member of the Vikings in 2024 when he signed with the team as a free agent. He was waived when Minnesota signed Daniel Jones, but returned to the practice squad when he cleared waivers. He was then released in August ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Rypien has started four games in the NFL since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. In his career, he has completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

For the Vikings, the team gets a player who is familiar with the team and many of the players. He will likely serve as a backup for rookie quarterback Max Brosmer in the game against the Lions on Christmas Day.

This is a hugely disappointing development because the primary goal for the Minnesota Vikings after they were eliminated from the playoffs was to see the growth and progress of J.J. McCarthy in the hope of him turning the corner at the position.

Injuries have become a major concern for McCarthy, and having to claim Brett Rypien off waivers is a move the team was likely hoping they wouldn't have to make. However, now the Minnesota Vikings are in quarterback limbo for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season at the very least.