The Minnesota Vikings have added a new quarterback to their roster, acquiring Sam Howell in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The deal, which took place on April 26, 2025, sees the Vikings receive Howell and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick (No. 172 overall) in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 142 overall), according to multiple reports.
Howell, 24, joins the Vikings after a single season in Seattle, where he served as the backup to Geno Smith. His journey to Minnesota has been eventful, marking his third team in as many years. The quarterback’s career began with high expectations after a record-setting tenure at the University of North Carolina, where he threw for 10,283 yards and a school-record 92 touchdowns. Despite his collegiate success, Howell slid to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was selected 144th overall by the Washington Commanders.
After starting the final game of his rookie season, Howell was named Washington’s starting quarterback for the 2023 campaign. He started all 17 games, showcasing his arm talent by throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns. However, the season was a trial by fire, as he also led the league with 21 interceptions and was sacked a league-high 65 times. His inconsistent play led to him being benched late in two separate games in favor of veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Following the 2023 season, Washington traded Howell to the Seattle Seahawks on March 14, 2024. His time in Seattle was quiet, as he appeared in only two games during the 2024 season. His most significant action came in a Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he replaced an injured Geno Smith and completed 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception, per Pro-Football-Reference.
Now in Minnesota, Howell is expected to serve as the primary backup to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The move provides the Vikings with a young but experienced option behind their first-round pick. Howell has 18 career starts under his belt, giving the team a player who has seen significant NFL action. He joins a quarterback room that also includes Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer.
The transition to a new offense under Head Coach Kevin O’Connell may present some initial challenges. A report from Alec Lewis of The Athletic, cited by The Viking Age, noted that Howell has been operating “a tick slow” in early training camp practices while adjusting to the rhythm and timing of the system. This adjustment period will be crucial as he settles into his new role.
For the Vikings, the trade represents a low-risk move to solidify their quarterback depth. By essentially swapping fifth-round draft positions, they acquire a player with considerable upside who was once considered a top draft prospect. For Howell, it is a chance for a fresh start in a new environment, away from the pressure of being a full-time starter, where he can refine his mechanics and decision-making while supporting the development of McCarthy. Over his three-year career, Howell has completed 404 of 645 passes for 4,139 yards, with 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
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