The biggest storyline heading into the Minnesota Vikings‘ offseason was how their quarterback situation would play out. They let Sam Darnold, who led them to a 14-3 season in 2024, test free agency, where he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. That meant the Vikings would head into the 2025 season with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
However, the Vikings’ backup quarterback situation remains unsettled. Daniel Jones, who was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad in late November, turned down an offer to be McCarthy’s backup, instead opting to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and compete for their starting spot.
Many of the top veteran quarterbacks on the free-agent market have signed elsewhere. However, with Darnold signing with Seattle, a younger option could emerge.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Seahawks are open to trading Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022 by the Washington Commanders. Howell spent the 2024 season in Seattle, one year after starting all 17 games with the Commanders. As Washington’s starter in 2023, Howell threw 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
The #Seahawks are open to trading QB Sam Howell and have received inquiries from teams, sources told @BradyHenderson and me. https://t.co/IDSAILLaxd
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 19, 2025
The Vikings could be interested in the 24-year-old Howell. Although he was a later pick in the 2022 draft, he was regarded as a better prospect earlier in the draft process. If Kevin O’Connell believes there is talent and a willingness to learn with Howell, the Vikings could swing a trade to land their next backup quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Sam Darnold joining the Seahawks may end up helping the Vikings anyway
The biggest storyline heading into the Minnesota Vikings‘ offseason was how their quarterback situation would play out. They let Sam Darnold, who led them to a 14-3 season in 2024, test free agency, where he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. That meant the Vikings would head into the 2025 season with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
However, the Vikings’ backup quarterback situation remains unsettled. Daniel Jones, who was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad in late November, turned down an offer to be McCarthy’s backup, instead opting to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and compete for their starting spot.
Many of the top veteran quarterbacks on the free-agent market have signed elsewhere. However, with Darnold signing with Seattle, a younger option could emerge.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Seahawks are open to trading Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022 by the Washington Commanders. Howell spent the 2024 season in Seattle, one year after starting all 17 games with the Commanders. As Washington’s starter in 2023, Howell threw 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
The #Seahawks are open to trading QB Sam Howell and have received inquiries from teams, sources told @BradyHenderson and me. https://t.co/IDSAILLaxd
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 19, 2025
The Vikings could be interested in the 24-year-old Howell. Although he was a later pick in the 2022 draft, he was regarded as a better prospect earlier in the draft process. If Kevin O’Connell believes there is talent and a willingness to learn with Howell, the Vikings could swing a trade to land their next backup quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Sam Darnold joining the Seahawks may end up helping the Vikings anyway
