For the second time this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have traded for another quarterback with NFL starting experience.
In March, the Eagles received Dorian Thompson-Robinson in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. On Sunday, Philadelphia is acquiring Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Sam Howell – as well as a 2026 sixth-round pick – in a trade.
The Vikings will receive a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick in return.
Howell played in each of Minnesota’s first two preseason games but spent the Vikings’ preseason finale on the bench. He finished the preseason 12-of-18 (66.7%) on pass attempts for 118 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception.
The news of the trade for Howell came minutes before reports that the Vikings had agreed to terms with free agent quarterback – and former Eagle – Carson Wentz.
The former Washington Commanders starter now joins an Eagles quarterbacks room that already includes Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kyle McCord.
Sam Howell trade details: Full returns for Eagles, Vikings
Eagles receive: QB Sam Howell, 2026 sixth-round pick
Vikings receive: 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman swung a trade for another backup quarterback Sunday morning. McKee, Philadelphia’s current backup, was held out of his team’s final two preseason games with a finger injury and could miss Week 1.
Howell provides extra insurance behind Hurts and in front of McCord, who appears to have won the No. 3 spot on the depth chart over Thompson-Robinson.
In return, the Vikings received some improved draft capital, essentially swapping a sixth-rounder next year for a fifth. Rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer had performed well enough to earn consideration as the team’s No. 3 quarterback, and Minnesota’s signing of Wentz made Howell expendable.
Minnesota has been looking to add help at the wide receiver position, according to reports, including the possibility of a reunion with veteran receiver Adam Thielen in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. The Vikings’ acquisition of a higher draft pick in the Howell trade could present a better bargaining chip for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to work with.
Sam Howell stats
Howell is entering his fourth NFL season in 2025. He began his career with the Commanders and started all 17 games for the team in 2023 before playing out the 2024 season as a backup for the Seattle Seahawks.
Here’s how his career looks so far, by the numbers:
Record (as starter): 5-13
Completion rate: 399-of-631 (63.2%)
Passing yards: 4,139
Touchdowns: 22
Interceptions: 23
Passer rating: 77.5
Rushing: 300 yards on 54 attempts (5.6 yards per carry)
Howell’s 21 interceptions in 2023 led the NFL and helped pave the way for the Commanders to draft his replacement, Jayden Daniels, with the second overall pick in last year’s draft.