The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads with their quarterback depth chart, and the whispers around the team suggest a potential blockbuster move could be on the horizon. While rookie J.J. McCarthy is poised to lead the franchise into a new era, questions linger about the reliability of backup Sam Howell. With a Super Bowl-caliber roster on paper, the Vikings are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for stability under center, and a veteran with nearly 35,000 passing yards might just be the answer.
In a recent mailbag for The Athletic, published on June 23, 2025, Alec Lewis fielded a question about the team’s confidence in Howell as McCarthy’s backup. The response was candid: no one in the Vikings’ orbit is fully sold on the fourth-year quarterback. Howell boasts a cannon for an arm, capable of making every throw required in the NFL. However, his accuracy and decision-making have raised red flags. With a 5-13 record across 20 starts, 4,139 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, Howell’s tenure as a starter has been a mixed bag. His struggles led the Seattle Seahawks to pivot to Sam Darnold and rookie Jalen Milroe, leaving Howell as a reclamation project for Minnesota.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell, known for his quarterback-whisperer reputation, may see untapped potential in Howell. Last season, O’Connell transformed Darnold into a reliable starter, and he could aim to work similar magic with Howell during training camp. The hope is that Howell, still young with a full season of starting experience, can evolve into a competent backup should McCarthy face early growing pains or another injury. But the Vikings aren’t banking solely on hope. If Howell falters in camp, Lewis suggests the team could explore the trade or free-agent market for a veteran upgrade.
One name that emerged as a shocker: Ryan Tannehill. The former Pro Bowler, who has thrown for 34,993 career yards, remains a free agent after parting ways with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Tannehill went 3-5 as a starter that year before an injury paved the way for Will Levis, who later lost the job to No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Despite sitting out the 2024 season, Tannehill’s experience and proven track record make him an intriguing option for a Vikings team hedging its bets. Lewis even floated a wilder scenario: a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” pursuit of Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons, though such a move seems far-fetched.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Minnesota. With a roster brimming with talent, the quarterback position remains the ultimate X-factor. McCarthy, a first-round pick, has yet to take an NFL snap, and Howell’s uneven résumé leaves room for doubt. A poor showing from Howell in training camp could force the Vikings’ hand, potentially leading to a high-profile addition like Tannehill to stabilize the depth chart.
As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Minnesota’s quarterback room. Will Howell rise to the occasion under O’Connell’s guidance, or will the Vikings make a splash by bringing in a seasoned veteran? The answer could shape their Super Bowl aspirations in 2025.