The Minnesota Vikings are at a critical juncture as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, with their quarterback room under intense scrutiny. With J.J. McCarthy poised to take the reins as QB1, the team’s search for a reliable QB2 has taken center stage. The departure of key quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens in free agency has left the Vikings with limited depth, and the pressure is on General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to find a solution. A new trade rumor has surfaced, pointing to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell as a potential target—a move that could reshape the Vikings’ quarterback strategy and spark excitement among fans.
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The Sam Howell Opportunity
Recent developments in Seattle have opened the door for a possible trade. The Seahawks’ decision to sign veteran quarterback Drew Lock as their QB2 behind Sam Darnold has relegated Howell to a precarious position on the depth chart. With a modest cap hit of $1.1 million in 2025 and no guaranteed money, Seattle could cut or trade Howell without financial repercussions, making him an attractive option for teams like the Vikings. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alfano noted, “The 24-year-old carries a cap hit of $1.1 million in 2025, but none of that is guaranteed. Seattle can cut him at any time and it wouldn’t even take on any dead money in the process.”
Howell’s trade value is reportedly low, potentially requiring only a late-round draft pick—a bargain for a player with his experience. Last year’s trade between the Washington Commanders and Seahawks saw Washington send Howell along with a fourth and sixth-round pick, receiving a third and fifth-rounder in return. A year later, with Howell’s stock diminished after limited playing time, the Vikings could acquire him for a minimal cost, making this an intriguing proposition for a team short on draft capital in 2025.
Why Howell Fits the Vikings’ Needs
Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings a unique blend of starting experience and untapped potential. During his sophomore season with the Washington Commanders, Howell started all 17 games, leading the league in pass attempts while throwing 21 touchdowns and a league-high 21 interceptions. His aggressive, gunslinger mentality resulted in a rollercoaster performance, but it also showcased his ability to handle the pressures of an NFL starting role at just 23 years old. In 2024, as a backup with the Seahawks, Howell appeared in two games, completing 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and one interception—a small sample size that does little to reflect his ceiling.
Under the tutelage of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, known for his quarterback-friendly offensive system, Howell could thrive as a QB2. O’Connell’s track record of revitalizing quarterbacks, as seen with Sam Darnold’s career-best 2024 season (4,319 yards, 39 touchdowns), suggests he could unlock Howell’s raw talent. Howell’s arm strength and willingness to push the ball downfield align well with O’Connell’s scheme, which maximizes playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. As a backup, Howell wouldn’t need to carry the team but could step in and keep the offense competitive if McCarthy were sidelined.
Analysts have also pointed to Howell as a logical fit. Posts on X from Vikings insiders, including comments from Alec Lewis and reporter Doogie Wolfson, have highlighted Howell as a trade target, noting that his youth and experience make him a compelling option. Unlike a veteran mentor like Joe Flacco or Ryan Tannehill, Howell offers long-term upside while still providing the game experience needed to mentor McCarthy. With quarterbacks coach Josh McCown on staff, the need for a traditional veteran presence may be less pressing, further boosting Howell’s appeal.
The Vikings’ QB2 Dilemma
The Vikings’ quarterback depth chart is alarmingly thin. Brett Rypien, the current QB3, is the only passer under contract besides McCarthy, and promoting him to QB2 would be a risky move given his limited on-field success. Rypien, praised by Adofo-Mensah for his decision-making and athleticism, has started just three NFL games, with a career stat line of 583 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. While the Vikings haven’t ruled out Rypien as a potential QB2, the consensus is that a more proven option is needed to back up McCarthy, who is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Free agency has offered few solutions. High-profile names like Flacco and Tannehill remain available, but signing them before the post-draft deadline could impact the Vikings’ compensatory pick formula—a factor Adofo-Mensah has prioritized. Other free agents, such as Drew Lock, Case Keenum, and Carson Wentz, are either signed or less appealing due to their inconsistent track records. The trade market, however, has been a hallmark of Adofo-Mensah’s tenure, with past deals for Nick Mullens and Josh Dobbs proving his willingness to wheel and deal. Howell represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that fits this strategy.
Other Trade Candidates in the Mix
While Howell is the latest name to gain traction, the Vikings have been linked to other quarterbacks on the trade market. Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders has been mentioned as a possibility, with his 17 career starts and 5,172 passing yards offering a comparable level of experience to Howell. However, O’Connell’s availability is less certain, and his fit in O’Connell’s system is less clear due to his more conservative playing style.
Will Levis, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, was another rumored target, but reports indicate the Titans are not open to trading him. Levis, with 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 21 starts, could have provided a similar developmental upside to Howell but appears off the table. Other names like Joe Milton and Davis Mills have surfaced, but their limited upside or lack of availability has cooled speculation. Howell, by contrast, stands out as a realistic and cost-effective option.
The Bigger Picture: Vikings’ Draft and Roster Strategy
The Vikings’ pursuit of a QB2 is just one piece of a broader roster puzzle. With only four draft picks in 2025 (first, third, fifth, and sixth rounds), Adofo-Mensah faces pressure to maximize every move. Trading for Howell could preserve draft capital while addressing a critical need, allowing the Vikings to focus their picks on other positions, such as cornerback or defensive line. Recent trades, like sending guard Ed Ingram to Houston for a draft pick and acquiring running back Jordan Mason, underscore Adofo-Mensah’s deal-making prowess.
The 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will also play a pivotal role in shaping the Vikings’ quarterback room. While drafting a developmental quarterback remains an option, the team’s immediate need for a QB2 points to a trade or post-draft signing as the more likely path. Howell’s low cost and familiarity with high-pressure situations make him a standout candidate in this scenario.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
The Vikings fanbase, known for its passionate engagement, is buzzing with speculation about Howell’s potential arrival. Social media posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some fans intrigued by Howell’s upside and others wary of his interception-heavy past. The narrative of “Dobbsanity” from 2023, when Josh Dobbs sparked a memorable run, has fans hopeful that another trade could ignite similar magic.
As the draft approaches, all eyes are on Adofo-Mensah to make a defining move. Will he pull the trigger on a trade for Howell, or will the Vikings pivot to a veteran free agent or an unexpected draft pick? The uncertainty only adds to the intrigue, as Minnesota seeks to build a quarterback room capable of supporting McCarthy’s rise and sustaining the team’s playoff aspirations.
In a league where depth can make or break a season, Sam Howell could be the spark the Vikings need—a young, battle-tested quarterback ready to step into Kevin O’Connell’s system and prove his worth. For now, the rumor mill is churning, and Vikings fans are bracing for what could be a game-changing addition to the Purple and Gold.