Vikings trade for Seahawks' backup QB Sam Howell
The Minnesota Vikings made a long-awaited move for a veteran quarterback during the NFL draft, swapping picks with the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Sam Howell.
The Vikings sent pick 142 to the Seahawks for Howell and pick 172, the team said.
CBS Sports reported earlier in the week that general manager John Schneider said the Seahawks have gotten calls about Howell.
"That's accurate," he told CBS Sports. "We have a great relationship with his agent. He has a ton of contacts as well. It's an open dialogue."
Howell, 24, was a fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022. He started one game his rookie season, then started all 17 the next year. In those 18 games, he completed 63.2% of his passes for 4,115 yards, 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
According to Rotowire, Howell served as Seattle's backup last season and threw just 14 passes behind the mostly healthy Geno Smith. With Smith now in Las Vegas, Seattle has revamped its quarterback room, bringing in both Sam Darnold and Drew Lock.
Howell is expected to back up J.J. McCarthy, last year's No. 10 overall pick who is presumed to be the Vikings' starter for next season. Brett Rypien is also on the roster, and the Vikings signed former University of Minnesota QB Max Brosmer as an undrafted free agent.
The Seahawks spent pick 142 on Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills. The Vikings traded No. 172 to the Los Angeles Rams for picks 201 and 202, which they used on Penn State linebacker Kobe King and Pitt tight end Gavin Bartholomew, respectively.
