Vikings sign veteran Kerson Ventsa, trading Sam Houla

• Vikings have signed Kerson Ventsa, trading Sam Houla to the Orlives.
• Houla moved to Philadelphia in exchange for draft picks.
• Ventsa provides experience to young McCarthy in Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings changed their quarterback ahead of the deadline for forming the roster, signing Kerson Ventsa and trading Sam Houla to the Philadelphia Orlives, according to league sources.

This move was made the day after Ventsa went through training with the Vikings. Earlier in the season, Minnesota planned to start a game with Jay Jay McCarthy.

Ventsa, 32, spent last season playing as a backup under head coach Patrick Mahams in Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed 118 yards in three games (with one start) without any touchdowns. This season, Ventsa has remained without a team since he was replaced by Gardner Minshue.

Houla, 24, moved to the Orlives after being traded from Seattle Seahawks in the spring. In the previous season, he ranked third in the Seattle quarterback chart and played in two matches. In his first two seasons in the NFL, he played for Washington Commanders, who selected Houla in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.

The Orlives responded to Houla's selection in the draft: fifth round in 2026, sixth round in 2026, and seventh round in 2027. This is a significant investment in the young quarterback, who has already made several trades in his career.

Ventsa, selected in the second round of the 2016 draft, gets another chance, moving to a new team. His career began with promises, but also with setbacks. The veteran can serve as a backup for young McCarthy, providing the Vikings with additional backup in case the rookie does not perform as expected.

Both teams hope that these changes will help them remain competitive in the upcoming season, which begins shortly.

Tags: Sport/American football