The Minnesota Vikings have made a move to beef up their quarterback depth chart on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft by making a Sam Howell trade with the Seattle Seahawks.

“Vikings news: Minnesota acquires Sam Howell in draft day trade with Seahawks,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday.

Howell was a fifth-round pick of the Washington Commanders out of North Carolina in the 2022 NFL Draft and spent one season in Seattle. He now joins 2024 first-round selection JJ McCarthy and backup Brett Rypien on the Vikings.

The former Tar Heel did get a chance to start in the NFL during his second season in 2023. That year, he started 17 games for the Commanders, attempting more passes (612) than any other QB in the NFL that season. Ultimately, he threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns, but he also led the league with 21 interceptions. While that's not good, some of it was definitely due to his also-league-leading 65 sacks.

Howell joins a QB room that seems to be built to support the development of the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy.

Article Continues Below
Related Minnesota Vikings News
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
JJ McCarthy hype train speeding up at OTAsScotty White ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
vikings, kobe king
1 Minnesota Vikings rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampGarrett Kerman ·
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
Vikings rumors: Super Bowl champion urges Jalen Ramsey tradeMalik Brown ·
Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson on the Up & Adams set on Radio Row at the Super Bowl LIX media center.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson supports Timberwolves courtsideMatty Breisch ·
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. (11) touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonSteve Silverman ·

The former Michigan signal-caller missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and, despite his overall success, the Vikings let Sam Darnold go this offseason to clear the way for McCarthy.

That said, this Sam Howell trade the Vikings made with the Seahawks is the first small sign that Minnesota might be putting a Plan B in place in case McCarthy isn't good right out of the gates or he gets hurt again. Howell is in the mold of Darnold in that he hasn't had success in the NFL yet, but he does have some experience and the traits that could make him at least a passable NFL QB.

Now, he is in a spot where he will likely serve as a mentor to another young passer, but where he also needs to be ready to go if things don't work out.

That is better than his situation in Seattle, where the Seahawks brought in Darnold this offseason and drafted developmental QB Jalen Milroe in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.