One of the major storylines for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason has been the battle for the backup quarterback position.
The Vikings have now secured a backup, and no, it’s not Aaron Rodgers. On Monday, the team announced it had traded with the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Sam Howell. Minnesota sent Seattle a fifth-round draft pick and received a fifth-rounder in return. Howell passed his physical Monday, finalizing the deal.
The Vikings also have Brett Rypien under contract at quarterback.
Getting to know Sam Howell
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah mentioned during the draft that the organization had heavily scouted Howell when he and head coach Kevin O’Connell first joined the team before the 2022 NFL Draft. Howell eventually was selected by Washington in the fifth round.
Over three seasons in the NFL, Howell has started 18 games, with 17 starts coming in 2023. That year, he threw for over 3,900 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, finishing the season with a 4-13 record. Last season with Seattle, Howell saw action in just two games.
J.J. McCarthy’s backup role
The acquisition of Howell confirms that J.J. McCarthy is set to start for the Vikings in 2025. McCarthy made a brief preseason appearance last year, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders, before a torn meniscus in his right knee ended his rookie season prematurely. The Vikings traded up to No. 10 in the 2025 NFL Draft to select the former Michigan standout, with Sam Darnold having already signed a one-year contract.
Darnold, meanwhile, signed with the Seahawks during free agency.
Speculation about Rodgers joining Minnesota intensified when Adofo-Mensah confirmed discussions had taken place. However, Rodgers was not interested in serving as a backup after his split from the New York Jets.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently shared that McCarthy will be “full go” without any restrictions once organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp begin.
Vikings offseason updates
The Vikings began offseason workouts last week, which continue this week. Rookie minicamp is set for the first full week of May. Soon, McCarthy will return to full practice sessions, including throwing drills, for the first time since his injury. Although he has been active in rehab workouts, the media has not yet seen him participate in throwing sessions.
