In a surprising twist during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings opted to trade for Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks, sending a fifth-round pick (142) in exchange for Howell and a later fifth-round pick (172). This move effectively shut the door on speculation about signing veteran Aaron Rodgers or bringing back former quarterback Kirk Cousins. Instead, the Vikings doubled down on youth, positioning Howell, a 24-year-old with a checkered NFL resume, as the backup to their prized rookie, J.J. McCarthy. This article evaluates the Vikings’ decision to bypass Rodgers and Cousins in favor of Howell, analyzing the risks and rewards of this strategy. It also traces Howell’s career arc—from a record-setting college star at North Carolina to a journeyman quarterback—and explores why he’s been repeatedly overlooked and what his future holds in Minnesota.
Part 1: Evaluating the Vikings’ Decision
The Context: Why Rodgers and Cousins Were in the Conversation
The Vikings entered the 2025 offseason with a quarterback room in flux. J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, missed his entire rookie season due to injury, leaving uncertainty about his readiness to lead the team. Sam Darnold, who had a career-best 2024 season (14-3 record), departed for a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks. With McCarthy unproven and Darnold gone, the Vikings needed a reliable backup quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, was a tantalizing option. At 41, Rodgers remained a high-risk, high-reward player, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly held multiple conversations with him during the offseason. Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins, a beloved figure in Minnesota from 2018 to 2023, expressed interest in returning as a backup, offering stability and familiarity. Yet, the Vikings chose a different path, acquiring Howell—a young, inexpensive, but inconsistent quarterback.
Benefits of Choosing Howell
Cost Efficiency: Howell’s contract carries a modest $1.1 million cap hit in 2025, a fraction of what Rodgers (likely $20-30 million annually) or Cousins (around $10-15 million) would have commanded. This financial flexibility allows the Vikings to invest in other areas, such as their offensive line (e.g., drafting Donovan Jackson) or defense (e.g., Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins).
Focus on McCarthy: By avoiding a high-profile veteran like Rodgers, who might demand playing time or create media distractions, the Vikings signal their commitment to McCarthy as the franchise’s future. Howell, with only 18 career starts, is less likely to overshadow McCarthy or spark a quarterback controversy.
Upside Potential: At 24, Howell is younger than both Rodgers (41) and Cousins (36), offering long-term potential. His college tape (92 touchdown passes, 10,283 yards) and flashes of brilliance in the NFL suggest he could develop into a reliable backup or even a trade asset under O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system.
Low-Risk Trade: The cost to acquire Howell—a swap of fifth-round picks—was minimal, preserving the Vikings’ draft capital while addressing a critical need.
Risks of Choosing Howell
Inconsistency and Turnovers: Howell’s 2023 season with the Washington Commanders was a mixed bag. He started 17 games, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns, but led the NFL with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks. His lone appearance for the Seahawks in 2024 was equally troubling: 5/14 completions, 24 yards, and one interception. These numbers raise questions about his decision-making and pocket presence.
Lack of Proven Reliability: Unlike Rodgers, a proven winner, or Cousins, a steady veteran, Howell has yet to demonstrate he can handle high-pressure situations. If McCarthy struggles or suffers another injury, Howell’s inexperience could jeopardize the Vikings’ playoff aspirations.
Fan Backlash: Vikings fans, accustomed to Darnold’s stellar 2024 and nostalgic for Cousins, may view Howell as a downgrade. The decision to bypass Rodgers, a potential game-changer, could also fuel criticism if the team underperforms in 2025.
Development Uncertainty: While O’Connell has a track record of reviving quarterbacks (e.g., Darnold), there’s no guarantee Howell can overcome his flaws. His tendency to hold the ball too long and force risky throws may persist, limiting his effectiveness.
Verdict
The Vikings’ decision to choose Howell over Rodgers and Cousins is a calculated gamble. It prioritizes long-term financial and developmental goals over short-term star power, aligning with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s youth-focused roster-building philosophy. The benefits—cost savings, McCarthy’s centrality, and Howell’s potential—outweigh the risks if O’Connell can unlock Howell’s talent. However, the margin for error is slim. If McCarthy falters and Howell repeats his turnover-prone ways, the Vikings could face a quarterback crisis, leaving fans and analysts questioning why Rodgers or Cousins was overlooked.
Part 2: Sam Howell’s Journey—From College Star to NFL Journeyman
The College Phenom
Sam Howell’s football journey began at the University of North Carolina, where he became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in ACC history. From 2019 to 2021, Howell threw for 10,283 yards and 92 touchdowns, setting school records and earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2020. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and playmaking flair, he was projected as a first-round pick early in his college career. His standout performance against Notre Dame in 2020 (443 total yards, four touchdowns) cemented his reputation as a future NFL star.
The NFL Struggles: Washington Commanders (2022-2023)
Drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (pick 144) of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell’s stock had fallen due to concerns about his size (6’1”, 220 lbs) and inconsistent mechanics. As a rookie, he played sparingly, starting just one game. In 2023, Howell won the starting job and showed promise, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and leading several comeback drives. However, his season was marred by a league-high 21 interceptions and 65 sacks, many resulting from holding the ball too long or forcing throws into tight coverage. The Commanders’ porous offensive line and lack of elite weapons didn’t help, but Howell’s decision-making drew scrutiny. After Washington drafted Jayden Daniels in 2024, Howell was traded to the Seahawks for a fourth-round pick.
A Brief Stint in Seattle (2024)
Howell’s time with the Seahawks was forgettable. Buried behind Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, he saw limited action, appearing in just one game where he completed only 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and threw an interception. The Seahawks’ decision to trade him after less than a year suggests they saw little long-term value, especially with Darnold’s emergence as a high-priced starter.
Why Teams Keep Moving On
Several factors explain why Howell has been traded twice in two years:
Turnover-Prone Playstyle: Howell’s aggressive approach, while exciting, leads to costly mistakes. His 21 interceptions in 2023 and poor showing in Seattle highlight a need for better decision-making.
System Mismatch: In Washington, Howell played behind a weak offensive line and with limited playmakers, exposing his weaknesses. Seattle’s run-heavy scheme under Ryan Grubb didn’t suit his strengths as a passer.
Perception as a Backup: Despite his college accolades, Howell’s fifth-round draft status and inconsistent NFL tape have pigeonholed him as a career backup rather than a starter, making teams quick to move on when better options arise.
Youth Overshadowed: At 24, Howell is younger than many backups, but his experience (18 starts) hasn’t translated to trust from coaches, especially when competing against veterans or high draft picks like Daniels.
Opportunity in Minnesota
The Vikings offer Howell a fresh start in an ideal environment:
Coaching Excellence: Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, has a proven ability to develop passers, as seen with Darnold’s 2024 resurgence. His play-calling emphasizes quick reads and rhythm, which could mitigate Howell’s turnover issues.
Strong Supporting Cast: With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and a solid offensive line bolstered by rookie Donovan Jackson, Howell has better weapons than he did in Washington or Seattle.
Low Pressure: As McCarthy’s backup, Howell can focus on development without the immediate burden of starting, allowing him to refine his mechanics and decision-making.
Potential for Growth: If Howell excels in preseason or spot duty, he could raise his stock, either as a long-term backup or a trade chip for the Vikings.
Future Outlook
Howell’s success in Minnesota hinges on his ability to adapt. If he can reduce turnovers and leverage O’Connell’s system, he could become a dependable backup, much like Case Keenum was for the Vikings in 2017. At worst, his low-cost contract and youth make him a low-risk experiment. Should McCarthy struggle or face further injuries, Howell’s performance could determine whether the Vikings remain playoff contenders or falter. His journey—from college stardom to NFL uncertainty—now rests on whether he can seize this third chance to prove he belongs in the league.
Conclusion
The Vikings’ choice to acquire Sam Howell over Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins reflects a bold, forward-thinking strategy. By prioritizing cost efficiency and McCarthy’s development, they’ve taken a calculated risk on a young quarterback with untapped potential. Howell’s career, marked by dazzling college highs and frustrating NFL lows, underscores both his flaws and his promise. In Minnesota, under O’Connell’s guidance and with a talented roster, Howell has a golden opportunity to rewrite his narrative. Whether he emerges as a reliable backup or fades into obscurity will shape not only his future but also the Vikings’ trajectory in the post-Darnold era. For now, the football world watches, curious to see if this journeyman quarterback can finally find a home.