Latest news with #SamHowell
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 Quarterbacks the MN Vikings Should Dump Sam Howell For
The Minnesota Vikings deemed Sam Darnold too pricey this offseason. His primary backup in 2024, Daniel Jones, found a better opportunity that offered starting potential with the Indianapolis Colts. That left GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and QB whispering head coach Kevin O'Connell hunting for a new depth quarterback in 2025, to help mentor and backup medical redshirt rookie, JJ McCarthy. In the end, the Vikings ended up with a mix of upside and veteran experience in their QB room for training camp. Brett Rypien was brought on last year and has a pretty good understanding of KOC's offense, at this point. But he and his general manager weren't satisfied with the 28-year-old journeyman who hasn't seen an active roster since 2023. Related Headlines Failed Twins Pitcher DFA'd by New Team New MN Vikings Out with Long-Term Injuries Former MN Vikings First Round Pick Retires Instead, Minnesota surprised everyone during the NFL Draft when they pulled off a trade with the Seattle Seahawks that sent the 142nd overall pick out west, in exchange for 25-year-old former UNC Tar Heel Sam Howell, along with the Seahawks' 172nd overall pick. 5 backup quarterback options for the Minnesota Vikings Entering training camp, the Minnesota Vikings were hoping that Sam Howell would quickly grab hold of the QB2 job. Unfortunately, that is not how reality has played out. Reports from just about every Vikings reporter who's attended or paid attention to what's happening at camp in Eagan have all indicated that Howell is off to an extremely rough start and could be in trouble, come cut time. While more time in O'Connell's system would certainly help, many wonder whether or not Howell is capable of holding down such an important position for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If the Vikings ultimately determine that they need a more capable safety valve behind their second-year rookie, who could realistically be available to KOC and Kwesi? Well, let's dive into a handful of Minnesota's best potential replacement solutions. 1. Kirk Cousins Returns to Mentor His Replacement Would this be awkward? Or would Kirk Cousins and his family just be happy to return to Minnesota? Our money is on the latter. Look, Cousins knows he has no shot at 'winning' a starting QB job this fall. His best chance is to stay ready, knowing he's just one snap away from another chance to let 'er rip. Kevin O'Connell knows what Cousins brings to the QB room. A player with an advanced level of preparation and a work ethic that could make a lasting mark on the young, impressionable J.J. McCarthy. Are there cap hurdles (Cousins has a $40 million cap hit) to figure out? Sure, but if the goal is to ensure the quarterback room has at least two capable starters who can win a game in a pinch, then there is no better short-term solution than trading for Cousins. 2. Jameis Winston's Big-Play Potential Lands in MN The Vikings brought in Sam Howell, in part because they saw a player with the ceiling of a high-level passer capable of putting up big numbers. Well, Jameis Winston matches that profile to a tee, even if he doesn't offer untapped potential like the 24-year-old Howell. Howell led the NFL with 21 interceptions in his second season while the Washington Commanders let him cut it loose. While turnovers are never an ideal outcome, the fact that the Vikings took a chance on a player who is so prone to throwing interceptions suggests there's a chance they may covet Winston's cannon arm too. Related: As bad as the situation is for Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, Winston has it even worse with the New York Giants. Since signing in New York, the Giants have not only anointed Russell Wilson as the starter, they also drafted QB Jaxson Dart in the first round after signing Winston. In other words, not only does he have no short-term future in New York, Dart is the long-term solution too. That could mean Winston is on the trade block, especially since the Giants still have fan favorite Tommy DeVito on the roster as a fourth-string QB. In other words, trading for Winston likely would cost less than the Vikings spent on Howell (moving down from 142 to 172 in fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft.) 3. Carson Wentz Joins His Favorite Team While he's largely been forgotten about now, Carson Wentz once looked like the future of the NFL. But long before the Philadelphia Eagles sent a King's ransom to the Cleveland Browns to select the former NDSU star with the second overall pick, Wentz grew up as a Vikings fan who idolized Brett Favre. Wentz has since had a very unique rollercoaster NFL career as someone who was on the cusp of being an MVP candidate and now doesn't even have a job in the middle of training camp. However, let's not act like he's a polished turd either. Remember, Andy Reid still wanted Wentz to be Patrick Mahomes' backup last season. The year before he was helping the AFC representatives reach the Super Bowl? Wentz was signed to be Matthew Stafford's backup, where he learned Sean McVay's system on the Rams. Basically, it shouldn't take long for him to get up to speed in coach O'Connell's system either, and he's still just 32 years old, so he may still have a bit of magic in him when the chips are down. 4. Vikings Trade for Kenny Pickett If the Vikings are hung up on the idea of having a capable backup who's still fairly young with untapped potential, much like they thought they were getting in Howell, then why not Kenny Pickett? The former first-round pick only got 24 starts to prove what he could do before being traded to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. Still just 27, Pickett brings a nice mix of experience and possible untapped potential. Hmm, that sounds a bit like Sam Darnold, before the Vikings fixed him and turned him into a $100 million Pro Bowl QB. As one of five quarterbacks competing for the Cleveland Browns' starting job, Pickett could very well find himself on the outside looking in. A fair offer of something like a late Day 3 pick (5th-7th round) should be enough to pry him out of Cleveland. 5. Ryan Tannehill Provides A Steady Hand This one may seem like it comes from out of left field, as Ryan Tannehill wasn't even in the NFL last season. However, the Vikings reportedly expressed an interest in signing Tannehill this past offseason when they were seeking veteran QBs who wouldn't require an additional investment in draft compensation or impact their compensatory pick formula. Signing Tannehill still wouldn't impact Minnesota's compensatory pick outcome for the 2026 NFL Draft, and he would bring 151 starts into the QB room. That's practically like having another coach, except the Vikings may feel the former Pro Bowl QB can still protect the ball and move the chains with efficiency on the field too. While there are better options if the Vikings' backup QB had to hit the field, Tannehill's veteran experience would be invaluable for a young player like McCarthy. Yet, if there's one thing we know about KOC, it's that we can trust his QB plans, whatever they may be. Related Headlines Failed Twins Pitcher DFA'd by New Team New MN Vikings Out with Long-Term Injuries Former MN Vikings First Round Pick Retires
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Backup quarterbacks have rough start to Vikings training camp
The defense of the Minnesota Vikings was arguably the best unit at times during the 2024 NFL season. The team thrived on creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and getting to the quarterback. On Wednesday, during the first training camp practice of the year for the Vikings, the defense picked up where they left off. They proved their readiness for the new season during the first practice, scoring not one, but two defensive touchdowns. The first came on the first pass of the day when linebacker Ivan Pace Jr intercepted Sam Howell. That was followed up by a patented Gink 6 when Andrew Van Ginkel picked off a screen pass from Brett Rypien and returned it for a touchdown. Needless to say, it was a day to forget for the backup quarterbacks behind J.J. McCarthy. Thankfully, it was just one day in a month-and-a-half process that leads up to the new season for them to make fans forget. While Rypien is a veteran with the team and this defense is not new to him, Sam Howell has not been as exposed to it, so he will experience some growing pains. The point of it all is to make them better quarterbacks, and going up against a defense like that of the Vikings will certainly speed up that process.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UNC's all-time passing yards, TD leader named Top 25 true freshman since 2000
Just how good was Sam Howell's 2019 season at UNC? It's extremely difficult to be a freshman in any sport, regardless of whether you're playing college football or high school basketball. One freshman who had no issue stepping into the spotlight is Sam Howell, who left UNC as its all-time leader in career passing yards and touchdowns. Howell started all 13 games during his 2019 freshman season at North Carolina, which ended in a 55-13 thumping of Temple in the Military Bowl. With 3,641 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, it came as no surprise when Howell won ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Not only was Howell's true freshman season the best-ever amongst Tar Heel quarterbacks, but one of the best since 2000. In CBS Sports' "Top 25 True Freshman of the Century" rankings, Howell slotted in at 19th. "Howell helped begin Mack Brown's second stint in Chapel Hill with a bang," Chris Hummer wrote. "He threw for 3,641 yards and an ACC-best 38 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, helping the Tar Heels improve by five wins compared to a 2-9 effort during the 2018 campaign under Larry Fedora. The only true freshman quarterback with a better statistical debut than Howell is the No. 1 player on this list." Howell played sparingly during his 2022 rookie NFL season, then took over as the Washington Commanders' starter in 2023. Howell backed up Geno Smith on the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 – and will now do the same to J.J. McCarthy on the Minnesota Vikings. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Max Brosmer Already Turning Heads Inside MN Vikings Organization
There are a ton of intriguing storylines to follow entering Minnesota Vikings training camp later this month, many of which begin and end at the quarterback position. Not only will the Vikings enter camp for the third-straight season with a new QB penciled in under center, but this time it's 2024 No. 10 overall pick, JJ McCarthy. Behind the redshirt rookie, Minnesota has 24 y/o Sam Howell, 29 y/o Brett Rypien and undrafted 2024 Minnesota Gophers one-and-done quarterback, Max Brosmer. For now, the expectation is that Rypien and Howell will compete for the QB2 job this summer, while the former Gopher will ultimately be cut or moved to the practice squad. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images With months remaining between now and the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, a lot can change. But throughout OTAs and minicamp, McCarthy took the majority of reps at QB, while the rest were divvied out to Howell and Rypien. Brosmer, meanwhile, didn't get a ton of opportunities. Advertisement Related Headlines Max Brosmer impressing those inside TCO Performance Center The lack of practice reps early on for Brosmer, however, haven't dampened the staff's outlook on their 24-year-old UDFA signing. In fact, it sounds like Max has found ample opportunity to impress those inside TCO Performance Center. Vikings insider Alec Lewis (The Athletic), for example, came away intrigued by how much Vikings staffers are raving about Brosmer's work ethic, professional approach and just how quickly he's picking up on the intricacies of head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. From the sounds of it, they aren't going to let him leave the building anytime soon. Max Brosmer, QB: Intriguing is the best way to describe his spring. Multiple staffers raved about his ability to pick up small intricacies. His professional approach and ability to process should keep him in the league for a while. Alec Lewis – The Athletic During his only season in Dinkytown, Brosmer finished with the second-highest single-season completion percentage in Gopher football history, at 66.5%. He also tossed for the 3rd-most yards (2,828) and 8th-most touchdowns (18). Had he joined PJ Fleck & Co one year earlier, there's no telling the records he would have set. Did Minnesota Vikings find a QB gem in the rough? Instead, we now get to enjoy him in a purple uniform. Unlike other Gopher QBs who have gotten an opportunity with the Vikings, they really seem to like what they see in Max — who they guaranteed $246,000 as a 2025 undrafted free agent. Advertisement It's no surprise that those inside the Minnesota Vikings organization have been impressed by Max Brosmer this summer. He came onto the U of M campus last summer with that same approach, raising the bar not just for his new Gopher teammates, but everyone inside the football program. Related: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer He's the ultimate leader — which is a prerequisite for playing quarterback at a high level — who sets a different kind of standard for himself and those around him. Now, it's a matter of talent and whether he has enough to make it in the National Football League. I'd argue he is highly underrated in that category too. Advertisement Of course, none of this means we'll see Brosmer active on MN Vikings game days anytime in the immediate future. But make no doubt, KOC & Co appear to get more and more bullish on Max Brosmer every day he spends in Eagan. Related Headlines
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings would probably be among the Super Bowl favorites if they had a surefire QB heading into Week 1, but that isn't the case — at least not yet. Advertisement A steady stream of optimism continues to flow outward from the organization with regards to 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has reportedly asked a good deal of the prospective starter during the preseason, both from physical and mental standpoints of preparation. As the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 on a relatively cheap salary ($22 million over four years) in comparison to the pay scale of veteran starters across the league, McCarthy and the value he represents are key cogs in the Vikings' championship plans. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. Krohn-Imagn Images All that is to say McCarthy probably has at least a couple years of runway to find his footing, develop and make magic in Minnesota. Advertisement However, after he missed the entirety of his rookie campaign with a knee injury, the Vikings must take their backup QB situation seriously. Executing a fifth-round pick swap for fourth-year signal-caller Sam Howell with the Seattle Seahawks wasn't Minnesota being flippant about its quarterback room, but the lack of a viable veteran in the on the roster has raised some questions. Brett Rypien is QB3 and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is QB4, meaning the entire position group in Minnesota has a total of 22 starts under its belt and a record of 7-15. Furthermore, the average age of the QB room will be 24.75 years once Howell celebrates his 25th birthday in mid-September. Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Nicholson-Imagn Images Judd Zulgad of the "SKOR North" podcast said in June that none of this is lost on Vikings leadership. However, Minnesota won't likely take any action until the team gets a better sense of its QB situation during training camp, which begins later this month. Advertisement "I guess the wildcard here is what does Howell show in training camp?" Zulgad said. "Does Howell firmly take hold of the No. 2 position and prove he belongs there? Do the Vikings say, 'You know what? There might be better options?'" Alec Lewis of The Athletic said on Wednesday that arm talent isn't the issue for Howell, but rather his in-play processing skills. "He can make countless throws," Lewis wrote. "Decision-making remains the question." Should that question persist into August, Minnesota could consider trading for Kirk Cousins or pursuing a free-agent option such as Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz. Related: Vikings Get Unfortunate Injury Update on $104 Million Starter This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
