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Minnesota Vikings Training Camp: Do they have a problem at backup quarterback with Sam Howell?

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:11 PM ET

Going into the 2025 offseason, the quarterback position was the hot topic. Initially, the conversation was centered on who would be the starting quarterback, and is is smart to give it to J.J. McCarthy?

The Vikings made it clear that McCarthy was going to be the guy when they didn't re-sign either Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones. They did offer contracts to both players, but they ultimately chose to sign elsewhere. Once that was settled, it was all about who would end up being the backup quarterback for the 2025 season. That got answered during day three of the NFL Draft when they moved down 30 spots to acquire Sam Howell.

Initially, he seemed like a really good fit for the backup quarterback job. He has 18 games of starting experience, an arm that's plenty capable of making all the throws necessary to be successful in the National Football League. Howell also has the legs to eat up yards on the ground, which is a great trait to have in this day and age.

Unfortunately, his biggest flaw has been circulating throughout training camp: his slow processing ability. Howell took a ridiculous 65 sacks in 2023 when he started 17 games, mainly due to him being slow in deciphering what the defense was doing. That has been happening in training camp practices, including an interception to end practice on Wednesday to Theo Jackson.

Sam Howell sailed a ball late over the middle to end practice. Would’ve been a Dallas Turner sack. Theo Jackson interception. The defense just spent multiple hours celebrating and dominating.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 30, 2025

It's far from an ideal spot for the Vikings to be in. The last time they had Super Bowl aspirations with a backup quarterback who was subpar was in 2016, and Teddy Bridgewater's knee injury forced the Vikings to end up trading a first and fourth-round pick to get Sam Bradford. The question remains whether or not Howell can somehow improve on that element of his game. Considering he's in a new offense, it's possible, but it's a major concern.

Are the Vikings putting themselves in the same position if McCarthy ends up getting hurt? That's not a great spot to be in. Now, that element is speculative, but it's something worth considering. There are other quarterbacks who could be in the discussion, including former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. That could still be in play for the right price.

For now, the Vikings are likely to just wait it out and hope that Howell improves, but it's a cause for concern.

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

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