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Howie Roseman has a chance to deal more than just A.J. Brown before the trade deadline

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 5:22 PM ET

The Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline is right around the corner, which has many wondering what Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman might do.

Teams have called to inquire about top wide receiver A.J. Brown , but that is expected to be off the table for Philly. While Brown might not be going anywhere, backup quarterback Sam Howell could be.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Cincinnati Bengals are eyeing Howell as they look to save their season after starting quarterback Joe Burrow was placed on Injured Reserve with a toe turf injury that required surgery in early September.

The #Bengals’ exhaustive QB search including calling nearly all teams with 3 QBs or a viable PS option. Among the names they inquired about: Davis Mills, Sam Howell and Derek Carr, who is still retired with the #Saints. No call on Ryan Tannehill, who hasn’t played since 2023. https://t.co/yLdFJJcq51
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2025

The Bengals have also put in calls for Houston Texans' Davis Mills and former Saints quarterback Derek Carr.

Philly Doesn't Really Need Sam Howell Thanks to Tanner McKee

The Eagles had initially traded with the Minnesota Vikings before the start of the season for Howell after Tanner McKee suffered a right thumb injury. Philly sent a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 seventh-rounder to Minnesota in exchange for Howell and a 2026 sixth-rounder.

But since McKee, who has proven to be a legtimate backup, has returned to the lineup, the Eagles have not needed Howell.

Howell played college ball for the UNC Tar Heels and has suited up for 20 NFL games over the last three seasons. He was the full-time starter for the Washington Commanders in 2023, before spending the 2024 season as Geno Smith’s backup with the Seattle Seahawks.

In 2023, Howell threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions for a 63.4% completion rate. He saw action in just three games last fall, completing five of 14 passes for 24 yards and one interception.

Howell has yet to appear in a regular season game since bing traded to Philly. I think Roseman makes the move if he gets what he wants in return.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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