Vikings Make Decision on Brett Rypien
It’s been an eventful Sunday for Skol Nation. Minnesota has made three quarterback moves within a few hours, starting with the trade of Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and the subsequent signing of veteran passer Carson Wentz. A third move gives even more clarity on the state of the QB room behind J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings Make Decision on Brett Rypien
McCarthy is the starter come Week 1, but the depth was a mystery. Well, with Wentz in the mix, we at least know two signal-callers on the 53-man roster. In the last couple of years, the Vikings kept three throughout the season.
That means one of Max Brosmer or Brett Rypien would have to go. Sunday, the Vikings made the call to axe Rypien.
Tom Pelissero reported, “The #Vikings are releasing QB Brett Rypien, per source. The respected veteran should have interest elsewhere, while Minnesota moves forward with a remodeled QB room of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.”
Rypien was surprisingly signed after last year’s cutdown day, when the organization parted ways with 2023 fifth-rounder Jaren Hall. He remained on the roster all year until the front office decided to promote Daniel Jones from the practice squad for the playoff game, making Jones eligible for a compensatory pick.
As the emergency quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens, Rypien didn’t see the field but functioned as a coach in the room. Last year, he lit up the preseason as a member of the Chicago Bears, but his performances in this year’s exhibitions were underwhelming. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 151 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Rypien is one of those quarterbacks who lack physical tools, but their football IQ allows them to have a decent career as a journeyman backup, and a future in coaching is certainly an option. At 29, he’s now looking for a new job. Potentially, the franchise wants to keep him around and stash him on the practice squad.
In March, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said about the veteran: “Brett Rypien, [is] somebody we brought in last offseason, we thought [he] made a lot of great decisions, quick decision-making, processing, better athlete than people give him credit for, accurate passer, so we’re excited about him.”
Rypien has played in ten career games with four starts. His statistics show 950 passing yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has spent time with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted player out of Boise State, as well as the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings.
Rookie Brosmer outplayed him, especially in the final preseason contest in which the two alternated quarters to have comparable supporting casts. The younger counterpart showed that he has a grasp on the offense while also displaying nice touch and decision-making.
Presumably, the Vikes will begin the season with McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer on the 53-man roster. Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune suggested via social media, “Source confirms the #Vikings have released Brett Rypien. Their QB room would seem set, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer.”
Many more players around the league will share Rypien’s fate in the next days. All 32 teams have to reduce their roster size from 90 (or 91) to 53 on Tuesday.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.