The final day of the 2025 NFL Draft delivered a true bombshell as the Minnesota Vikings executed a stunning trade with the Seattle Seahawks, acquiring quarterback Sam Howell in a savvy deal that underscored the bold vision of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. This trade not only addressed the urgent need for a backup quarterback for J.J. McCarthy but also put an end to rampant speculation about the Vikings pursuing big names like Aaron Rodgers or reuniting with Kirk Cousins. After years of keeping tabs on Howell, the Vikings have finally secured the piece they once passed on, and fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come.
Trade Details: A Strategic Masterstroke
According to reports from ESPN and NFL Network, the trade took place on April 26, 2025, during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The specifics are as follows:
Minnesota Vikings received: Quarterback Sam Howell and the 172nd overall pick (Round 5). Seattle Seahawks received: The 142nd overall pick (Round 5), which they later used to select defensive lineman Rylie Mills from Notre Dame.
The trade is widely regarded as a shrewd move by the Vikings, who gave up just 30 draft spots in Round 5 to acquire a young, experienced quarterback with a modest salary ($1.1 million for 2025). For the Seahawks, the deal allowed them to clear space in their crowded quarterback room, especially after signing Sam Darnold, re-signing Drew Lock, and drafting Jalen Milroe in the third round.
Context: A Long-Awaited “Reunion”
Sam Howell, 24, is no stranger to the Vikings’ radar. Back in the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell was considered a top prospect out of North Carolina, where he set school records with 92 touchdown passes and 10,283 passing yards. The Vikings, under the leadership of Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell, seriously evaluated Howell but ultimately decided the timing wasn’t right. “We’ve always said that organizations often fail quarterbacks before quarterbacks fail them,” Adofo-Mensah remarked. “We didn’t want to be the reason a talent like Howell didn’t succeed just because we weren’t ready.”
Now, with J.J. McCarthy poised to take over as the starting quarterback in 2025 after missing his rookie season due to a knee injury, Howell emerges as the ideal backup. With 18 career starts, including all 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023, Howell brings the experience the Vikings need to support McCarthy while remaining young enough to develop under O’Connell, who is renowned for “reviving” quarterbacks.
Drama: Shutting Down Aaron Rodgers Rumors and a Quarterback Carousel
The Howell trade came at a time when rumors about the Vikings pursuing Aaron Rodgers were at their peak. According to The Athletic, O’Connell had “multiple conversations” with Rodgers during the free agency period, fueling speculation that the former Green Bay Packers quarterback could join the Vikings as a short-term solution. However, Rodgers’ high cost and age (41) prompted the Vikings to pivot to Howell, a younger and more cost-effective option. The trade effectively “slammed the door” on Rodgers discussions, sparking heated debates on X, where Vikings fans expressed a mix of excitement and surprise.
The drama didn’t end there. The Seahawks, who recently signed Sam Darnold—the former Vikings quarterback who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024 under O’Connell’s guidance—found themselves with an overcrowded quarterback room. Drafting Jalen Milroe at pick 92 accelerated the decision to trade Howell, who had become expendable. Some posts on X suggested the Seahawks might have been “too hasty” in letting Howell go, especially if he thrives in O’Connell’s system.
Howell’s own story adds another layer of intrigue. Once projected as a first-round pick in 2022, he slipped to the fifth round after a disappointing final season at North Carolina. In 2023, he led the NFL in sacks taken (65) and interceptions thrown (21) while starting for the Commanders, causing his stock to plummet. Yet, with 4,139 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in his career, Howell remains a raw gem that O’Connell could polish.
Significance for the Vikings: A Perfect Fit for McCarthy
The Vikings head into the 2025 season with a clear goal: build a roster around J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to lead the offense alongside stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. However, with Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens all departing in free agency, the Vikings needed a reliable backup to hedge against any struggles from McCarthy. Howell, with his experience and youth, fits the bill perfectly.
Under O’Connell’s tutelage, who transformed Darnold into a Pro Bowler and elevated Nick Mullens’ performance in spot starts in 2024, Howell has a chance to address weaknesses like pocket presence and decision-making. “Sam brings a rare combination of youth and experience,” said Ryan Grigson, Vikings’ Senior Vice President of Player Personnel. “This is an opportunity you don’t find every day.”
Moreover, Howell’s contract is a significant advantage. At just $1.1 million for the final year of his rookie deal, Howell is far more affordable than veteran options like Ryan Tannehill or even Rodgers. This allows the Vikings to maintain financial flexibility for future extensions with key players like Jefferson.
Looking Ahead: How Will Howell Shape the Vikings’ QB Room?
This trade marks a significant step in the Vikings’ strategy to rebuild their quarterback room post-Kirk Cousins. With McCarthy as the centerpiece, Howell as QB2, and Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer competing for QB3, the Vikings now boast a young and promising QB group. If O’Connell can address Howell’s issues under pressure, he could become one of the NFL’s top backups—or even a long-term option if McCarthy falters.
The big question remains whether Howell can overcome his past challenges, particularly his tendency for errant throws (23 interceptions in 20 games). If he shines in the 2025 summer training camp, Vikings fans might start dreaming of a “Sam Darnold 2.0.” But if Howell falls short, Adofo-Mensah may face pressure to seek another backup in 2026.
Conclusion: A Worthy Gamble for the Vikings
By trading for Sam Howell, the Minnesota Vikings have sent a clear message: they trust Kevin O’Connell’s ability to develop young talent. While not as glamorous as a deal for Aaron Rodgers, this trade is strategic and cost-effective, aligning with Adofo-Mensah’s long-term vision. After years of waiting, the Vikings have finally landed Howell—a talent they once coveted—and now it’s up to him to prove his worth at U.S. Bank Stadium. Fans are eagerly awaiting whether this will go down as a draft steal or merely a temporary move in the team’s rebuilding journey.