After losing Sam Darnold in free agency to the Seattle Seahawks, the Minnesota Vikings have been in the market for another quarterback to compete with JJ McCarthy for the team's starting job.
Ironically enough, the replacement they acquired came via a trade with the Seahawks.
The #Vikings are trading for QB Sam Howell, as the Seahawks and MIN swaps picks 142 and 172.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2025
On the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings agreed to a trade that brings former UNC football star Sam Howell to Minnesota. The official terms of the deal were noted by Ian Rapoport, as the two teams will swap picks 142 and 172.
Heading into his fourth season in the NFL, Howell is set to compete for his third different team. It was mark the second straight offseason in which the former Tar Heel is changing teams, as last year the Washington Commanders dealt Howell to the Seattle Seahawks.
Howell saw limited action in his lone season in Seattle, appearing in two games. He completed five of 14 passes for a total of 24 yards over his brief playing time.
In his second (and final) season as a member of the Commanders organization, Howell was the team's full-time starter. He threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns, but also turned the ball over on 21 occasions. He was sacked 65 times in 17 games, an issue that has hampered him early on in is NFL career.
Howell will once again get a fresh start in Minnesota, one that he hopes provides him with more of an opportunity to see the field. While he may be relegated to backup duties for McCarthy, the former Tar Heel will have the chance to compete for the job, especially with McCarthy working back from an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Tar Heel fans can attest to how good of a quarterback Sam Howell could be. Minnesota could be a spot where he can prove that his college success can translate to the NFL, as a talented group of skill players could help bring out the best in the former UNC football star.