As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are poised to make waves with their quarterback strategy. While many assumed Sam Howell would comfortably slot in as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter J.J. McCarthy, recent discussions suggest the team might have other plans. On a recent episode of SKOR North’s Purple Daily show, analyst Judd Zulgad raised eyebrows by floating an unexpected name as a potential backup: Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Zulgad emphasized the importance of a reliable backup for a Vikings team built to compete. “This is a team that is built to win,” he said. “This is not a team where if McCarthy goes out [with an injury], you just punt [the season]. So keep an eye on the backup QB.” With a roster brimming with talent, Minnesota cannot afford to falter if McCarthy misses time due to injury. Zulgad’s solution? A possible trade for Pickett before the 2025 season kicks off. “As a reliable backup, I think a Kenny Pickett trade is in the cards,” he stated.
The suggestion comes as Pickett finds himself in a crowded Cleveland quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With the Browns likely trimming their roster before the season, Pickett, a former first-round draft pick, could be the odd man out. Despite not meeting expectations since entering the NFL in 2022, Pickett’s profile aligns with the type of quarterback Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell might see as a reclamation project.
But is Pickett truly a better option than Howell? Since both quarterbacks entered the league in 2022, Howell has outperformed Pickett in several key metrics, boasting a higher completion percentage, more passing yards per game, and a better touchdown percentage. Pickett, however, has shown a knack for avoiding turnovers and sacks, though his conservative playstyle might contribute to those numbers. Zulgad expressed skepticism about Howell’s ability to step in effectively, saying, “I’m not entirely sure that I trust Sam Howell to captain the ship.”
The Vikings’ recent history supports the idea of exploring trade options for a backup quarterback. In recent years, Minnesota has acquired quarterbacks like Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien to bolster their depth chart. A trade for Pickett wouldn’t be out of character for a team looking to ensure stability behind McCarthy. However, it’s not a done deal. While Pickett’s potential availability and O’Connell’s track record make him an intriguing option, the Vikings could just as easily stick with Howell or pursue another candidate.
As the 2025 season nears, the Vikings’ quarterback situation is one to watch. Could Kenny Pickett be the surprise move that keeps Minnesota’s season afloat if McCarthy goes down? Only time will tell, but the possibility is certainly worth keeping on the radar.