The Minnesota Vikings have found a seasoned backup for their new franchise quarterback.
On Saturday, the Vikings swung a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire quarterback Sam Howell, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. In exchange, Minnesota sent the No. 142 overall pick — which the Seahawks used to draft defensive lineman Rylie Mills — and received Seattle’s No. 172 pick.
After seeing Sam Darnold sign with Seattle and Daniel Jones head to the Colts in free agency, Minnesota was on the hunt for a reliable backup behind McCarthy. Now, Howell joins McCarthy and Brett Rypien in a revamped quarterback room.
Howell arrives with meaningful starting experience, having made 18 career starts — 17 of them with the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season. However, his brief stint with the Seahawks was less than stellar: he completed just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception in a Week 15 loss to Green Bay.
Turnovers have been Howell’s biggest hurdle — he led the NFL with 21 interceptions last year and has 23 total picks in just 20 career games. Despite the ball security issues, Howell offers Minnesota valuable experience without posing any threat to McCarthy’s starting job heading into 2025.
The 24-year-old became expendable in Seattle after the team signed Darnold, traded away Geno Smith, and added Drew Lock as another veteran backup. With the Seahawks also drafting Jalen Milroe in the third round, it was only a matter of time before Howell was moved.
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