Minnesota Vikings Eye Sam Howell as Potential Quarterback Solution for 2025 Season: A Gambit to Revive the Gunslinger Mentality
 April 12, 2025
In the complex and often unpredictable world of the NFL offseason, teams are constantly refining their rosters to ensure they are prepared for the grueling 17-game season. For the Minnesota Vikings, a franchise that has lived with the highs and lows of quarterback play, the search for the right backup to 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy has become a crucial point of focus. However, with the free-agent pool drying up and fewer available options, the Vikings may have stumbled upon a potential gem who could turn around his career: Sam Howell, the former fifth-round pick from the Washington Commanders, now struggling to find a spot with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Vikings’ Quarterback Conundrum
The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason in a precarious situation when it came to their quarterback room. As the NFL landscape shifted and key quarterbacks found new homes, the Vikings were left to watch from the sidelines as several backup options slipped through their fingers. On Friday, April 12, two names that could have potentially bolstered the Vikings’ depth chart were no longer available. Joe Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP, agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns, while Drew Lock signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Both players, known for their experience and capable hands, had been considered viable backup options for Minnesota in the event of an injury to J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy, who has earned the starting quarterback role in Minnesota after a promising 2024 campaign, has shown flashes of brilliance but still has a great deal of growth ahead. With little to no proven depth behind him, the Vikings are in a precarious position. A single injury to McCarthy could derail their season, and finding a backup capable of stepping in and keeping the ship afloat is critical.
With the available options shrinking rapidly, the Vikings may be forced to look for a solution in an unlikely place—via trade.
Enter Sam Howell: A Career in Need of a Reboot
Sam Howell, the talented but inconsistent quarterback who began his career with the Washington Commanders, finds himself on the outs with his current team, the Seattle Seahawks. Howell, drafted by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has yet to live up to his potential. In his short tenure with the Commanders, he has faced numerous challenges, from an underwhelming offensive line to a franchise in the middle of a transitional period following the ownership change. Despite flashes of potential, Howell’s inability to perform consistently under pressure, coupled with the Commanders’ struggles as a team, led to a rather forgettable start to his professional career.
Howell’s most notable start came in the 2024 season when he was thrust into action during a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers. In the game, Howell was sacked four times and completed only five passes out of 19 attempts, leading to a humbling outing that further diminished his standing in Washington’s eyes. While Howell’s overall performance in his brief appearances as a starter was below average, his raw talent has still attracted the attention of some evaluators.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had touted Howell as a potential second-round talent coming out of North Carolina, a university where he was highly successful in college. With a powerful arm and a fearless mentality, Howell showcased his ability to stretch the field and throw with velocity. However, his mechanics, particularly his footwork and decision-making under pressure, have held him back as a professional.
Now, with the Seahawks signing Drew Lock, Howell’s future in Seattle is uncertain. According to Gregg Bell, a beat reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune, the addition of Lock has made Howell’s role in Seattle unclear, with the Seahawks potentially looking to part ways with the young quarterback. As a result, the opportunity for the Vikings to acquire Howell via trade could be a strategic move to address their backup quarterback situation.
A Comparison to Sam Darnold: A Possible Rebirth for Howell
When looking at Sam Howell’s trajectory, comparisons to another troubled quarterback, Sam Darnold, are hard to ignore. Darnold, a former top-three pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had a rocky start to his career with the New York Jets before eventually finding a second chance with the Carolina Panthers and later the San Francisco 49ers. Although Darnold’s career has been marked by inconsistency, he was able to benefit from a change of scenery and a coaching staff that could help refine his mechanics and decision-making.
In many ways, Howell’s situation mirrors Darnold’s early years. While Darnold was a more highly regarded prospect coming out of college, Howell shares many of the same struggles in terms of mechanics, timing, and footwork. For Howell, moving to a new environment under an innovative coaching staff could be just what he needs to unlock his potential. Enter Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings.
Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, has a history of developing quarterbacks in need of a fresh start. O’Connell’s success with Nick Mullens as a backup in 2024 was a testament to his ability to bring out the best in quarterbacks who are often overlooked or underappreciated. Mullens, who had been bounced around the NFL, thrived under O’Connell’s system, showcasing a level of play that helped solidify his role as a reliable backup. O’Connell’s coaching staff could offer the same rejuvenation to Howell, who, at just 25 years old, still has time to develop into a competent starter in the NFL.
The Vikings’ Backup QB Needs: The Case for Howell
While the Vikings’ search for a backup quarterback remains ongoing, Sam Howell presents an intriguing option. The 25-year-old gunslinger has the raw tools to succeed—arm strength, mobility, and a willingness to push the ball down the field. However, he needs the right environment and guidance to address his mechanical issues and gain more confidence in his decision-making.
The Vikings have a system in place that emphasizes quarterback development and could be the perfect place for Howell to revive his career. If Minnesota were to trade for Howell, they would likely not need to give up much in terms of draft capital. The Seahawks are in a position where they could look to recoup value for a quarterback who is no longer a part of their long-term plans.
By acquiring Howell, the Vikings could allow him to develop in the background, behind McCarthy. If McCarthy were to go down with an injury, Howell could step in, albeit with a few growing pains. The key would be for O’Connell to refine Howell’s mechanics, working on his timing, footwork, and overall decision-making. With the Vikings’ strong defense and an offense that is loaded with playmakers, Howell could have the support system needed to succeed as a backup quarterback, similar to how Darnold found success with the 49ers.
Conclusion: A Gamble Worth Taking?
As the Minnesota Vikings continue to navigate the delicate balance of building a competitive roster while protecting their future, taking a chance on Sam Howell could prove to be a savvy move. While it is no guarantee that Howell will blossom into the quarterback the Vikings need, his potential—coupled with the guidance of O’Connell and the Vikings’ system—makes him a compelling option. If the Vikings can elevate Howell’s play to a level similar to what they achieved with Nick Mullens in 2024, they could have found the ideal backup quarterback to support J.J. McCarthy in 2025 and beyond.
In a quarterback-driven league, it’s not uncommon for a change of scenery and the right coaching staff to turn a struggling player’s career around. For Sam Howell, the Minnesota Vikings could offer that much-needed second chance. The decision to make a move for Howell will ultimately rest on the Vikings’ front office, but the pieces are in place for a potentially successful quarterback revival.
