The Minnesota Vikings’ backup quarterback situation has been one of the hottest topics of their offseason.
On Monday, the Vikings announced they’ve secured their new backup — and no, it’s not Aaron Rodgers. Instead, they acquired Sam Howell in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. In exchange, Minnesota sent Seattle a fifth-round pick and received a fifth-round pick in return. Howell passed his physical earlier that day, officially finalizing the deal.
Brett Rypien also remains on the Vikings’ quarterback roster.
About Sam Howell
Here’s what we know:
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah revealed during the draft that the team had extensively evaluated Howell back when he and head coach Kevin O’Connell joined Minnesota ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Howell was eventually selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round.
Over his three NFL seasons, Howell has made 18 starts — 17 of them coming during the 2023 season, when he threw for over 3,900 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 21 interceptions, while leading Washington to a 4-13 record. He appeared in just two games for Seattle last season.
Backing up J.J. McCarthy
Why this matters:
The trade for Howell solidifies J.J. McCarthy’s status as the Vikings’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. McCarthy impressed in his lone preseason game last year, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders, before a torn meniscus in his right knee ended his rookie campaign. The Vikings traded up to No. 10 in the draft to select the former Michigan standout, having already signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal earlier in the offseason.
Darnold has since joined the Seahawks via free agency.
Speculation about Rodgers intensified when Adofo-Mensah confirmed the team had multiple conversations with him prior to the draft. However, Rodgers had no interest in a backup role after his departure from the New York Jets.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said last week that McCarthy is “full go” with “no limitations” as the team prepares for organized team activities and minicamp.
Vikings’ Offseason Outlook
Timeline:
The Vikings kicked off their offseason program last week, with workouts continuing into this week. Rookie minicamp begins in early May. Soon, McCarthy will be seen throwing publicly for the first time since his injury — although he has already been participating in private rehab workouts.
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