For all practical purposes, the Minnesota Vikings are building around quarterback J.J. McCarthy, signaling a new era for the franchise. However, that hasn’t stopped them from evaluating experienced options to back him up—or possibly challenge for time—should the opportunity arise. One name that continues to surface is a name being rumored all across the NFL: the former Washington Commanders starter and current Seattle Seahawks quarterback.
He is 24 and finds himself on the trade block after Seattle acquired both Drew Lock and Sam Darnold this offseason. Darnold, once with the Vikings, signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal to presumably be the starter in Seattle. With Geno Smith re-signed and rookie Jaren Hall also on the roster, the Seahawks appear to have a surplus under center, making Howell expendable.
On April 19, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert highlighted the situation on X, noting that it’s “worth keeping an eye on.” That came on the heels of a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson, who confirmed Seattle has received calls about Howell’s availability.
Trade History and Potential Deal
Seattle traded for Sam Howell in March 2024, sending third- and fifth-round picks to Washington in exchange for Howell and a pair of later-round selections (a fourth and a sixth). At the time, Seattle reportedly beat out at least three other teams that were also pursuing the young quarterback.
Despite being drafted 144th overall in 2022, Howell has put together a decent body of work. In three seasons, he’s thrown for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions while completing 62.6% of his passes. Though his numbers in limited action during the 2024 season weren’t eye-popping—just 14 attempts over two games—he has the kind of in-game experience that the Vikings currently lack behind McCarthy.
With only four draft picks in 2025, the Vikings may be hesitant to part with any current-year capital. But a proposed deal involving a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick could be enough to make Seattle move on from Howell. Such a trade would allow Minnesota to add depth without sacrificing assets they desperately need this year.
Depth Concerns at Quarterback
Minnesota’s quarterback room is undeniably light on NFL experience. J.J. McCarthy, though projected to be the future of the franchise, missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus. Veteran Brett Rypien, currently the QB2, has a modest 2-2 record as a starter over six seasons. While Rypien is serviceable, Howell would instantly become the most experienced quarterback on the roster in terms of recent, consistent playing time.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged that relying on McCarthy so early carries some risk, even as he praised the young signal-caller’s commitment throughout his rookie rehab year.
“He was in the building constantly, taking notes, asking smart questions, and meeting with coaches,” O’Connell said in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “He had a front-row seat to Sam’s journey last year. There was value in that.”
Still, O’Connell also admitted McCarthy was frustrated about being sidelined and is hungry to start. The team, meanwhile, is adopting a patient “phase-by-phase” approach with him. According to SKOR North, insiders caution that McCarthy isn’t locked in as the Week 1 starter—at least, not yet.
Other Veteran Possibilities
While Howell is a natural target, the Vikings have also been mentioned in connection with other established quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers and former franchise QB Kirk Cousins. Whether those rumors have legs or are simply speculative remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Vikings want to bolster their quarterback depth with a more experienced hand, even as McCarthy takes the reins moving forward.
As the 2025 draft approaches and free agency reopens without compensatory penalties after April 28, the Vikings could make a move at any time. Whether that means a trade for Howell or another QB option, Minnesota’s quarterback picture is still developing.
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