The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation is starting to take shape as training camp moves forward, but not exactly how the team hoped.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported on July 28 that concerns about backup QB Sam Howell’s ability to reliably support presumed starter J.J. McCarthy are becoming more real. Based on Howell’s performance so far, the Vikings might look to add another quarterback through free agency or a trade. This addition could be minor—like trading a late-round pick for a veteran from the Browns—or something bigger, similar to the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins deal.
There’s also potential for a more significant move, such as acquiring Anthony Richardson from the Colts. Richardson seems likely to lose the starting QB job in Indianapolis to Daniel Jones.
Richardson’s rookie year was hampered by injury, causing him to miss 13 games, and he even lost his starting spot temporarily to Joe Flacco. This offseason, he competed with Jones for the Colts’ starting role, but Jones, who briefly spent time with the Vikings last year, won out. Minnesota had hoped to keep Jones as a backup, but he accepted a $14 million offer from the Colts instead, leading the Vikings to trade a fifth-round pick swap with Seattle to bring in Howell.
After a preseason shoulder injury to Richardson, Jones has taken firm control of the Colts’ starting position. The Colts must decide by next spring whether to pick up Richardson’s fifth-year option on his $34 million rookie deal, leaving Richardson’s future uncertain.
Given these factors, Richardson is not currently the ideal backup for McCarthy, but his elite arm and athleticism make him an intriguing long-term option for Minnesota.
Richardson could be a high-upside gamble for the Vikings if McCarthy doesn’t pan out. Meanwhile, Howell remains an immediate concern. Lewis summed up Howell’s play as “a beat too slow,” noting that he hasn’t consistently made quick decisions.
Despite Howell’s struggles, it’s unclear how McCarthy will perform after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.
Richardson’s upside makes him a potential long-term investment, especially under a coach like Kevin O’Connell who is known for developing quarterbacks. If the Colts decide to move on from Richardson after another lost starting job, Minnesota might be able to acquire him relatively cheaply.
In that case, the Vikings could then add a veteran quarterback like Carson Wentz as a short-term replacement for Howell.
Lewis points out that Minnesota has some time to see if Howell improves, but if he doesn’t, the team could make a quarterback move as early as August.
Replacing Howell would be a low-cost move, and Richardson fits the profile of a talented quarterback who may thrive after leaving a struggling situation.
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