As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL season, their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have been buzzing with surprises. While most fans expected second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy or high-profile acquisitions like Sam Howell to dominate the headlines, an unexpected name has emerged from the pack: undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers star is turning heads and challenging assumptions about the team’s quarterback depth chart.
A Local Hero Making Waves
Max Brosmer, a 24-year-old quarterback who went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, is no stranger to Minnesota football fans. After transferring from New Hampshire to the University of Minnesota, Brosmer set a program record with 268 completions in the 2024 season, throwing for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His performance in the Big Ten showcased his ability to compete at a high level, and now, he’s bringing that same energy to the Vikings’ practice field.
Signed as an undrafted free agent with a notable $246,000 in guaranteed money—a significant investment for a UDFA—Brosmer has quickly caught the attention of coaches and analysts alike. During OTAs, he’s been described as an “efficient thrower” with a knack for generating impressive ball velocity with minimal pocket movement. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, known for his quarterback development prowess, has praised Brosmer’s fundamentals, technique, and high football IQ, noting his ability to make real-time corrections during 7-on-7 drills.
Standing Out in a Crowded QB Room
The Vikings’ quarterback room is anything but settled. J.J. McCarthy, the presumed starter, is coming off a meniscus injury from the 2024 preseason, leaving questions about his readiness. Behind him, veterans Sam Howell and Brett Rypien were expected to compete for the backup roles. However, Brosmer’s performances in OTAs and rookie minicamp have thrown a wrench into those plans. Observers, including Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller, have noted Brosmer’s ability to shine in red-zone drills, where he’s delivered touchdown passes with precision.
Brosmer’s experience gives him an edge. With six years of college football under his belt, including strong FCS seasons at New Hampshire (56 touchdowns to 15 interceptions over 2022 and 2023), he’s faced a variety of defenses and adapted to multiple offensive systems. This adaptability has translated to the NFL level, where he’s making the most of limited reps. As Coller remarked, “Every time we see Max Brosmer out there, he’s doing something impressive.”
A Long Shot with Big Potential
As the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, Brosmer faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. The Vikings typically carry three quarterbacks, meaning Brosmer would need to outperform either Howell or Rypien to avoid landing on the practice squad. However, his $2.975 million contract, which includes a $10,000 signing bonus, signals that the Vikings’ front office, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, sees him as more than just a camp arm.
Brosmer’s intangibles are also working in his favor. His high football IQ, honed under Gophers coach P.J. Fleck, allows him to quickly grasp O’Connell’s complex offensive scheme. During rookie minicamp, he was already receiving detailed, play-by-play coaching from O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, and assistant Jordan Traylor, with real-time feedback facilitated by on-field replay screens. Brosmer described the experience as “awesome,” highlighting how it accelerates his learning curve.
What’s Next for Brosmer?
While Brosmer’s OTA performances have generated buzz, the real test lies ahead in training camp and the preseason. With limited reps, he’ll need to maximize every opportunity to prove he belongs. His strengths—quick decision-making, short-to-intermediate accuracy, and mobility—align well with O’Connell’s system, which has previously elevated quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold to career-best performances. If Brosmer can continue to impress, he could challenge for the QB3 role or, at the very least, secure a practice squad spot with long-term potential.
Analysts like Thor Nystrom of Fantasy Life have hinted that Brosmer could be a dark horse to make the roster, noting the Vikings’ history of prioritizing undrafted free agents under Adofo-Mensah. Over the past three years, six UDFAs have made the Vikings’ Week 1 roster, a trend that bodes well for Brosmer’s chances.
A Story of Resilience
Brosmer’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. From an ACL injury in 2021 that sidelined him for a season to going undrafted despite a standout college career, he’s no stranger to overcoming adversity. His transfer to Minnesota and subsequent success in the Big Ten were pivotal in proving he could handle high-pressure environments, a skill he’s now showcasing in the NFL.
“Things are supposed to happen for a reason,” Brosmer said during rookie minicamp, reflecting on his path from New Hampshire to Minnesota and now to the Vikings. His connection to the local community, combined with his work ethic and talent, has endeared him to fans and coaches alike.
##DQ## The Takeaway
Max Brosmer may not have been the name Vikings fans expected to dominate OTA discussions, but the undrafted rookie is proving he’s more than just a feel-good local story. With his combination of experience, intelligence, and arm talent, he’s making a compelling case to stick around in Minnesota. Whether he secures a roster spot or a practice squad role, one thing is clear: Brosmer is a name to watch as the Vikings head toward the 2025 season. The quarterback competition just got a lot more interesting.