EAGAN, Minnesota — On Saturday during the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings traded fifth-round picks with the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Sam Howell, a young backup to J.J. McCarthy with starting experience.
The Vikings traded the 142nd overall pick to the Seahawks in exchange for the 172nd overall pick to acquire Howell, who passed for 3,946 yards in 2023 while starting all 17 games for the Washington Commanders.
Howell led the league that season with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks for a 4-13 team, but the 2022 fifth-round pick is only 24 years old and will join a quarterback-friendly offense led by coach Kevin O’Connell.
O’Connell assisted Sam Darnold in producing a Pro Bowl season in 2024 before he signed with the Seahawks.
The Vikings are turning to McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft who did not play as a rookie due to a preseason knee injury. Brett Rypien is the only other backup on the roster, having made four NFL starts in six seasons.
