Vikings Execute Unexpected Quarterback Trade
Just a few days ago, the Minnesota Vikings shipped Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets for late-round draft capital and some cap savings. A surprise move, indeed, but it could allow some depth players to see the field.
Vikings Execute Unexpected Quarterback Trade
On Sunday morning, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah strikes again, pulling off another trade.
Adam Schefter reported, “Trade: Vikings are sending QB Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN sources. Howell now will join Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee in the Eagles QB room.”
Sam Howell is no longer a Viking. He was expected to be the team’s backup quarterback in the upcoming season, but his preseason performances and his struggles in training camp raised some questions. The trade acquisition from the Seattle Seahawks remains a project Kevin O’Connell couldn’t just fix in one offseason.
Schefter added the trade compensation: “Trade terms: Minnesota receives 5th in 2026 and a 7th in 2027 Philly gets QB Sam Howell and a 6th in 2026.”
Minnesota then reportedly turned around and added Carson Wentz after a workout on Saturday. Ian Rapoport announced: “The #Vikings are signing QB Carson Wentz, per me and @TomPelissero after a successful workout over the weekend. A new backup for JJ McCarthy.”
Now, Minnesota has four QBs under contract with starter J.J. McCarthy, new backup Wentz, last year’s QB3 Brett Rypien, and rookie Max Brosmer. Brosmer impressed in the preseason while Rypien did not.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis opined: “Why trade Sam Howell and sign Carson Wentz? The Vikings have a ton of faith in Max Brosmer with what he’s shown/proved. Philly also needed a No. 3. Wentz has previous experience with Rams system, and prior relationship with Josh McCown. Adds vet voice in the room.”
All signs point towards Brosmer remaining on the roster as the QB3, but considering McCarthy’s inexperience, a backup with some snaps under his belt is desired. Wentz fits that mold with 94 career starts.
The veteran is 32 years old and has played under Sean McVay in 2023 in a comparable offense, which should give him a head start in learning the offense. Another sweet element is that Vikings QB coach Josh McCown was Wentz’s backup in Philadelphia, a dynamic that worked wonders for Sam Darnold.
Wentz was the second overall pick in 2016 and reached his prime in 2017. That year ended with him tearing his ACL while he was the top candidate in the MVP race. After a couple of more seasons in Philly, he was traded to Indianapolis and then Washington, but could never replicate his previous heights.
The passer’s resume shows 94 career starts, 22,410 passing yards, 153 passing touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. In the last two seasons, he started a total of two games and attempted 43 passes.
Howell ultimately spent about four months in the Twin Cities. It cost a drop of 20 draft slots, meaning the Vikings, in total, gained some draft capital by making the two deals.
Glenn Erby of Eagles Wire noted, “For Philadelphia, it gives the Eagles some insurance with Tanner McKee nursing an injured finger, and both Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson have had underwhelming performances in the preseason games.”
Another wrinkle is Minnesota’s new full arsenal of draft picks that could help the club find a new receiver. Schefter stated, “By adding an extra pick via trade this morning, the Vikings now have added ammunition to go trade for a wide receiver. They have inquired on former Vikings WR Adam Thielen, but Carolina has been reluctant to deal the respected and productive veteran.”
Howell is 24 years old. Expect the Vikings to make some more big-time moves. A reunion with Thielen is a hot rumor.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.