As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for training camp in late July 2025, head coach Kevin O’Connell faces a pivotal moment in shaping the team’s quarterback room. With rookie J.J. McCarthy entrenched as the starter, backup quarterback Sam Howell, acquired for a modest draft pick swap, finds himself in a precarious position. The former Washington Commanders starter, now in the final year of his $4 million rookie contract, could be on the chopping block as the Vikings weigh their options in a quarterback market that could see seismic shifts.
Sam Howell’s Shaky Standing
Sam Howell, 25, arrived in Minnesota via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks that cost the Vikings just 30 spots in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The price was negligible, and so is the risk of cutting him loose. Howell’s 2023 season with Washington showcased his big arm, as he led the league in passing attempts, completing 388 of 612 throws for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. However, his career record of 5-13 as a starter and a nearly even touchdown-to-interception ratio (22 TDs, 23 INTs) raise questions about his reliability as a backup.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis highlighted Howell’s decision-making as a potential Achilles’ heel, a critical flaw for a quarterback who might need to step into a meaningful role if McCarthy, still unproven after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, falters. With only Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer competing for QB3 honors, the Vikings’ depth behind McCarthy is thin, making Howell’s performance in camp critical. Yet, his lackluster track record means he’s no lock for the roster.
Vikings Likely Must Trade to Acquire Kirk Cousins
GettyFormer Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted on July 2 that decision-making is Howell’s potentially fatal flaw.
That might not matter as much if he was the QB3 heading into camp, but the Vikings could feasibly need a backup signal-caller to play a meaningful role this season. There are several scenarios in which injury and/or poor play could require Minnesota to make at least a short-term change under center. If Howell isn’t up to the challenge, then the Vikings will be up a creek.
O’Leary suggested the Falcons might waive Cousins, though that isn’t likely after the team paid him a $10 million roster bonus in March to retain a meaningful trade asset. If Atlanta cuts Cousins, it will still owe him $27.5 million in base salary, minus the league-minimum amount he will earn from whatever team acquires him in free agency.
It’s more realistic that Minnesota would need to trade for Cousins, though negotiations would certainly see the Vikings take on only a portion of the $27.5 million. ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested in April somewhere around $10 million.
That is the same amount Minnesota paid Sam Darnold in 2024, which ended in 14 wins and a playoff appearance for the Vikings. McCarthy is on a $22 million rookie contract that pays him $5.5 million annually, so the combined salary in the QB room would still be more than reasonable for a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations if it can get league-average play at that position.
Why Howell Could Be Cut
Howell’s expendability stems from both his performance and the Vikings’ strategic flexibility. The team’s minimal investment in him—essentially a late-round pick swap that yielded linebacker Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew—means cutting him carries no significant financial or emotional weight. If Howell fails to impress in camp, O’Connell and the Vikings’ brass could pivot to a more reliable option, whether through a trade for Cousins or another veteran who hits the market.
The Vikings’ quarterback depth chart is a high-stakes gamble. McCarthy, at 22, is a wildcard entering his second year, and the lack of competition behind him and Howell puts pressure on O’Connell to ensure the backup role is filled by someone who can deliver in a pinch. Howell’s inconsistent decision-making and turnover-prone history make him a risky bet for a team with championship ambitions.
Chaos and Opportunity in Minnesota
As training camp looms, the Vikings are at a crossroads. Keeping Howell could provide continuity, but his shortcomings might not outweigh the allure of a proven veteran like Cousins or another surprise acquisition. The potential for a blockbuster trade or a ruthless roster cut has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, with debates raging over whether Minnesota should stick with its current options or roll the dice on a reunion with Cousins.
One thing is clear: O’Connell’s decision will shape the Vikings’ 2025 season. Will Howell rise to the challenge and secure his spot, or will the Vikings make a brutal call that sends their $4 million quarterback packing? As camp approaches, all eyes are on Minnesota’s quarterback chaos, where every snap could determine the fate of the roster and the franchise’s Super Bowl dreams.