We’re looking at an instant analysis of the Eagles acquiring QB Sam Howell from the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 5th-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick
In a move that could provide insurance for Tanner McKee and make things difficult for Kyle McCord (rookie) and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Eagles are trading for Vikings quarterback Sam Howell.
The Howell trade comes hours after former Eagles second overall pick, Carson Wentz, worked out for Minnesota ahead of the roster cuts. Wentz eventually signed a deal and is now the primary backup to J.J. McCarthy.
With the move complete, we’re looking at an instant analysis and breaking down how the trade impacts both teams.
The move shows that Vikings head coach Kevin McConnell wasn’t sold on having Howell as the backup quarterback to J.J. McCarthy heading into 2025. Wentz served as a backup in each of his last two seasons with the Rams (2023) and Chiefs (2024), and his last season as a full-time starter was in 2022 with Washington before losing the job to Taylor Heinicke in Week 7.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign while rehabbing from a meniscus tear, so having a proven veteran like Wentz in the quarterback room gives McConnell some peace entering the regular season.
Tanner McKee will miss time.
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.
Howell completed one of five passes for 13 yards and an interception in Saturday’s 20-12 preseason loss to the Patriots. He added 14 rushing yards on three carries. The fourth-year QB doesn’t fit the Eagles’ system from a mobility standpoint, but he gained more yards on the ground than through the air in two drives during the preseason.
Impact on Eagles’ two other quarterbacks
Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be cut, but it’s not out of this world for the former UCLA star to return on the practice squad. The move also doesn’t eliminate McCord from making the Eagles roster, but Howell has experience and spent two seasons as the Commanders’ starting quarterback. In 2023, Howell finished the regular season, starting all 17 games with 3,946 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. He also threw 21 interceptions and took 65 sacks, both of which led the NFL.