The Minnesota Vikings are set to write a bonus check to backup quarterback Carson Wentz after he delivered in a pressure-filled moment.
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The veteran signal-caller secured a $100,000 payday by coming off the bench, replacing a concussed Kyler Murray, and leading the Vikings to a wild 39-22 win.
According to contract website Spotrac, Wentz is eligible to receive a bonus if he plays more than 60% of the team's snaps in a winning effort. He did just that on Sunday as he replaced Murray after 11 snaps.
Wentz played the final three quarters of the game, and he completed 12 of his 19 attempted passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a two-point conversion to wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
.@cj_wentz ➡️ @TheeHock8#Vikings cut the lead to 22-17.
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/wZgG7sPDet
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 13, 2026
The Vikings defense paved the way with two second-half turnovers, but Wentz also gets credit for the scoring drives.
The Vikings do not know if Murray will clear the concussion protocol before Week 2's game against the rival Bears, so it's possible that Wentz will be called into action yet again. If so, he will have a chance to earn even more money.
Spotrac notes that he can earn this $100,000 bonus in up to six wins. After that, he can earn a $150,000 bonus by playing at least 60% of the snaps in a winning effort. That second tier also caps out at six wins.
Last season, Wentz started five games for the Vikings while replacing an injured JJ McCarthy. He went 2-3 while playing through a shoulder injury. Though he ultimately underwent a season-ending surgery in October 2025.
The former second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft chose to rejoin the Vikings during the offseason. He fully recovered from the surgery and then took the backup job from McCarthy. This set him up to play a key role if Murray sustained an injury.
While Wentz likely did not expect to see the field after only 11 snaps, he made the most of his opportunity. He helped the Vikings start the season 1-0 with a division win, and he earned a lot of money.
"I stayed as ready as I could," Wentz told media members after the win. "You know, mental reps, all the things. Reps after practice, whatever that looks like."
