The Minnesota Vikings continue to watch viable quarterback options slip through their fingers as the free-agent market grows thinner by the day. Most recently, two more potential backups came off the board—Joe Flacco signed with the Cleveland Browns, and Drew Lock returned to the Seattle Seahawks. Their departures further narrow Minnesota’s choices for a reliable No. 2 option behind rookie starter J.J. McCarthy.
Despite growing urgency, the Vikings have yet to make a move, even as the market rapidly shrinks. With McCarthy set to take over under center following his rookie season cut short by injury, the team is in need of a seasoned backup who can step in if needed. But as names continue to be crossed off the list, Minnesota may have to get creative.
Interestingly, Drew Lock’s return to Seattle may have indirectly created a new opportunity for Minnesota. According to Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune, Lock’s signing raises questions about Sam Howell’s standing in the Seahawks’ quarterback room, making the 24-year-old signal-caller a potential trade target for quarterback-needy teams like the Vikings.
If Minnesota were to acquire Howell, he could follow a similar trajectory to that of Sam Darnold, who quietly rebuilt his value in Minnesota before securing a lucrative deal in free agency with Seattle. Like Darnold, Howell is a former high-upside prospect who’s endured a rocky start in the NFL.
Howell, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick by the Washington Commanders, has seen more downs than ups in his young career. Last season, he struggled when pressed into action—particularly in a forgettable performance against the Green Bay Packers where he completed just 5 of 19 dropbacks and was sacked four times. His 2023 campaign wasn’t much better, as he found himself in an unstable environment in Washington marked by poor offensive line play, a lackluster supporting cast, and frequent coaching changes.
The numbers weren’t kind: Howell led the NFL in pass attempts (612), sacks taken (65), and interceptions (21), underscoring the pressure he faced in an unsupportive situation. In contrast to a quarterback like Brock Purdy, who flourished in a quarterback-friendly setup in San Francisco, Howell was thrown into the fire with little protection or consistency.
Still, there’s reason to believe Howell could be a strong fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Known for his aggressive, downfield approach and natural arm talent, Howell possesses traits that mirror what O’Connell previously saw in Nick Mullens, a backup he spoke highly of for his decision-making and gutsy play. At North Carolina, Howell tied Drake Maye’s school record for most touchdown passes in a single season and was once viewed by some draft analysts, including NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, as having second-round potential.
Though his footwork and timing remain areas for improvement, Howell is still young—just 25 entering the 2025 season—and could benefit from time behind the scenes in a stable, quarterback-friendly system like Minnesota’s. With the right coaching and development, he could turn into a dependable backup or even a low-end starter down the line.
From a trade value standpoint, Howell may also be attainable. Seattle acquired him from Washington by packaging a third- and sixth-round pick in exchange for Howell and two later picks—essentially moving down just 24 spots in the third round. That move hasn’t aged well, especially now that Lock is back in the fold and Howell’s role is uncertain. The Seahawks could be inclined to move on and recoup value before Howell becomes an afterthought on the depth chart.
With the list of available quarterbacks growing shorter by the day—and with no clear backup on the roster—Minnesota may want to act soon. Howell presents an intriguing blend of youth, starting experience, and developmental upside. While he doesn’t have Darnold’s natural tools, he brings enough potential to be molded into a solid No. 2 option behind McCarthy—one that could step in if needed and keep the team competitive.
Leave a Reply