The Minnesota Vikings will open training camp later this month, and several familiar names could be on the roster bubble.
Among them is quarterback Sam Howell, as noted by Ryan O’Leary of The Sporting News. Howell enters camp as the backup to J.J. McCarthy but will need to convince head coach Kevin O’Connell and the coaching staff that he deserves the spot.
McCarthy, still just 22, is entering his second NFL season without any game experience after missing his rookie year due to a knee injury. Beyond him and Howell, the Vikings’ depth chart thins out quickly, with Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer competing for the third-string role.
That thin competition doesn’t necessarily secure Howell’s job, however. The Vikings gave up very little to acquire him — merely swapping fifth-round picks with the Seahawks — making it easy to move on if a better option presents itself. If, for instance, the Atlanta Falcons were to surprisingly release Kirk Cousins, Minnesota might consider a reunion on a veteran minimum contract.
Howell’s Spot on the Roster Isn’t Guaranteed
The trade for Howell cost Minnesota only a 30-spot slide in the draft. The Vikings later dealt the pick they got back (No. 172) to the Rams for two sixth-round selections, which they used on linebacker Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew.
So, cutting Howell wouldn’t be a major setback. While he does have a strong arm and led the league in pass attempts in 2023 for the Washington Commanders — throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions — his overall numbers (22 TDs, 23 INTs, and a 5-13 record as a starter over 20 games) don’t guarantee him a roster spot. He turns 25 this season and is in the final year of a $4 million rookie deal.
Minnesota Might Need to Trade to Reacquire Cousins
Alec Lewis of The Athletic pointed out that Howell’s biggest issue is his decision-making — a critical concern for someone who could be one injury or bad performance away from seeing the field. The Vikings may need their backup to take on a meaningful role this season, and if Howell isn’t up to it, they could find themselves in a tough spot.
While O’Leary floated the idea of the Falcons cutting Cousins, that scenario is unlikely given Atlanta paid him a $10 million roster bonus in March, making him a valuable trade chip. If released, Atlanta would still owe Cousins $27.5 million in base salary, minus any league-minimum amount he’d earn with a new team.
A trade is more realistic. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported back in April that a deal could see Minnesota take on about $10 million of Cousins’ salary — the same amount they paid Sam Darnold this season, which resulted in 14 wins and a playoff berth.
With McCarthy’s rookie contract averaging $5.5 million annually, Minnesota could afford a reasonably priced quarterback room — especially if they can get even average play at the position while pushing for a deep postseason run.
Leave a Reply