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Philadelphia Eagles Acquire Quarterback in Surprise Trade Ahead of NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 12:47 PM ET

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles closed out their preseason Friday night with a 19-17 win over the New York Jets.

In less than two weeks, Philadelphia will open the NFL season on Sept. 4 at home against the Dallas Cowboys, where they’ll also raise their Super Bowl LIX banner.

But just a week after trading for wide receiver John Metchie III, Eagles GM Howie Roseman clearly wasn't done. On Sunday, the team agreed to another deal—this time to bolster the quarterback room.

With Jalen Hurts locked in as the starter, Philadelphia already had Tanner McKee, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Kyle McCord competing for depth roles. Now, they’re adding former North Carolina standout Sam Howell.

Trade: Vikings are sending QB Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN sources.

Howell now will join Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee in the Eagles QB room. pic.twitter.com/X4ePFdk3bg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2025

The Eagles sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Minnesota in exchange for Howell and a 2026 sixth-rounder. The move also cleared the way for the Vikings to sign former Eagle Carson Wentz as the backup to rookie J.J. McCarthy.

Howell has spent three seasons in the NFL—two with the Washington Commanders and one with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2023, he started for Washington and completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.

According to ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum, there’s now growing uncertainty around Tanner McKee, who was expected to secure the backup role behind Jalen Hurts after an impressive preseason.

With McKee reportedly dealing with a finger injury that could sideline him to start the season, Howell, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Kyle McCord could now compete for the No. 2 role behind Jalen Hurts.

Philadelphia, along with the rest of the league, must finalize its initial 53-man roster by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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