Sam Howell is on the move again, heading back to the NFC East

The writing was on the wall that Sam Howell's roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings was in jeopardy.

Minnesota brought in veteran quarterback Carson Wentz for a workout this week, signaling that the franchise was looking for a backup quarterback upgrade.

After trading for Howell during the 2025 NFL Draft, the former UNC football star failed to secure the backup quarterback job, as an inconsistent summer and struggles in preseason action led the Vikings to part ways with him.

The Vikings have agreed to trade Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles. Minnesota will receive a 5th round pick in 2026 and a 7th rounder in 2027, while Philadelphia acquires Howell and a 2026 6th rounder.

Howell returns to the NFC East, the division in which he began his NFL career with the Washington Commanders. The former Tar Heel did have some success with the Commanders, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards in his lone season as the full-time starter in 2023.

Since, Howell has struggled to find the field. The Commanders traded him to the Seattle Seahawks, a stop that had him serving as Geno Smith's backup for the 2024 season. Then, Howell was dealt again to Minnesota, a stint that only lasted a few months.

Now, Howell hopes to return to form, as he'll have the opportunity to work with one of the most efficient and effective offenses in all of football in the reigning Super Bowl Champions.

While Jalen Hurts is the clear-cut starter, Howell could use his time in Philadelphia to help him regain some value in hopes that he one day earns the opportunity to start games in the NFL for a quarterback-needy team.