Vikings Add Quarterback Sam Howell in Draft Day Deal With Seahawks
The Minnesota Vikings made a move to bolster their quarterback depth on Saturday by acquiring Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks. The deal involved a swap of draft picks between the two teams. Minnesota sent its fifth-round pick, the 142nd overall selection, to Seattle. In return, the Vikings received the Seahawks’ fifth-round pick, which was the 172nd overall choice, along with Howell.
Seattle wasted no time putting their newly acquired pick to use, selecting Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills at No. 142. Mills had an impressive college career but suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff win over Indiana back in December. Despite the injury, Mills reported that his rehabilitation is progressing faster than expected. He shared on Saturday that team doctors are pleased with his progress, noting that he has already started running and is ahead of schedule compared to typical ACL recovery timelines.
Meanwhile, Sam Howell, now 24 years old, is looking for a fresh start in Minnesota. Last season with Seattle, Howell saw limited action, appearing in just two games as a backup. In those appearances, he completed five of 14 passes for 24 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception.
Before joining the Seahawks, Howell spent the 2023 season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. He completed 63.4 percent of his passes, totaling 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns. However, his season was also marked by struggles, including a league-high 21 interceptions, a figure that ultimately contributed to Washington’s decision to move in a different direction at quarterback.
Howell first made a name for himself in college at North Carolina. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2019 and earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2020. Over three seasons with the Tar Heels, Howell set school records by throwing for 10,283 yards and 92 touchdowns. In his final college season in 2021, he tossed 24 touchdowns against just nine interceptions before entering the NFL, where he was selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.
Following their initial trade with Seattle, the Vikings weren’t finished dealing. Minnesota traded the 172nd pick — which they had received in the Howell trade — to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Vikings received two sixth-round selections: the 201st and 202nd overall picks. The Rams used the 172nd pick to draft Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
For Minnesota, the acquisition of Sam Howell represents a low-risk, high-upside move. Howell brings starting experience and youth to a quarterback room that needed depth, especially with questions about the long-term plans at the position. While he struggled with turnovers last season, Howell’s college resume and flashes of NFL potential give the Vikings a developmental player who could contribute if given the right environment.
As the Vikings continue to shape their roster, Howell’s addition is another piece in their effort to stay competitive while building toward the future.
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