Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Vikings among potential landing spots for Seahawks QB Sam Howell

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Matt Urben | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Last week, ESPN reported that the Seattle Seahawks were looking to move quarterback Sam Howell ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. That report was confirmed by general manager John Schneider, who said the team was working with Howell's agent to gauge interest.

The 24-year-old still has some upside as a developmental backup, but his future won't be in Seattle due to the team signing Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in free agency. So where might Howell end up in 2024?

A new article from CBS Sports named three potential landing spots for the former fifth-round pick in a trade. One team that was mentioned was the Minnesota Vikings.

After letting Darnold walk in free agency, the team is looking for an experienced backup for former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.

"The Vikes have expressed interest in finding a veteran backup for J.J. McCarthy. Howell may or may not qualify as a veteran, heading into his fourth NFL season," wrote CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan. "But the only other quarterback behind McCarthy at the moment is Brett Rypien, and Howell probably qualifies as an upgrade there."

McCarthy played well in the preseason before tearing his meniscus and missing the entire regular season. This injury gave Darnold the chance to prove he was a starting-caliber quarterback, passing for a career-high 35 touchdowns and 4,312 passing yards in 2024.

While the Vikings will likely start McCarthy in 2025, the team has yet to name him the starter. Plus, Minnesota has been linked to Aaron Rodgers throughout free agency. Howell would be a less dramatic consolation prize for head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Howell is arguably the most successful quarterback from an awful 2022 draft class. He started one full season for the Commanders in 2023, passing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

O'Connell did wonders for Darnold, helping the former No. 3 pick earn a $100 million contract from Seattle in the offseason. Perhaps the Vikings head coach would have the same effect on Howell.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were also mentioned as potential landing spots for Howell. We'll have to wait and see if Schneider gets a deal done during draft weekend. Round 1 starts on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Seattle Seahawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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