Vikings' J.J. McCarthy injury insurance is a surprising rookie quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings might have their long-term insurance for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

He's not the official backup yet, but this undrafted free agent has a chance to earn that role going forward behind the former first-round pick.

His name is Max Brosmer, and ESPN pitched him on Tuesday as the Vikings' long-term backup QB.

Brosmer began his college career with four years at New Hampshire before closing it out with the University of Minnesota in 2024.

With the Golden Gophers, Brosmer threw for 2,828 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Vikings gave Brosmer $246,000 in guaranteed money as an UDFA.

MORE: Steelers, Aaron Rodgers on verge of major announcement

To make the team behind McCarthy, Brosmer has to compete with Sam Howell and Brett Rypien.

It seems almost certain that Brosmer will beat out Rypien so the Vikings can keep developing him. Where it goes from there remains to be seen.

"Whether I get drafted in the third round or I got drafted in the seventh round or I go undrafted," Brosmer told ESPN, "there's a reason that I'm here. I do my best to live each day with that mentality of gratitude and curiosity and empathy. And I think that it kind of just all unfolds as it should."

MORE NFL NEWS:

• Giants' Jaxson Dart has a concerning habit
• Ravens officially facing a kicking controversy
• Browns' Shedeur Sanders has already shown he belongs as an NFL QB
• Chiefs' Travis Kelce makes a shocking announcement about his body
• Saints sign a QB involved in a betting controversy
• Jets brothers trying to make history not seen since Dayton Triangles, Duluth Eskimos