Vikings Send Shockwaves Through the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday Afternoon by Trading the 142nd Overall Pick to the Seattle Seahawks in Exchange for 24-Year-Old Quarterback Sam Howell and the No. 172 Selection, Adding an Intriguing and Experienced Young Signal-Caller to a Minnesota Quarterbacks Room That Already Features 2024 10th Overall Pick J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings made a bold move on Saturday that shook up the dynamics of the 2025 NFL Draft, trading the 142nd overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for 24-year-old quarterback Sam Howell and the No. 172 pick. The decision underscores Minnesota’s commitment to building a deep, competitive quarterback room for the future.
Howell, who spent three seasons in the NFL with both the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks, will now join a Vikings squad that is hoping to solidify its quarterback situation after drafting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024. While McCarthy is viewed as the long-term answer under center, Minnesota clearly valued adding more depth and experience at the position.
During his NFL career thus far, Howell has shown flashes of high-level play, including strong performances with Washington during the 2023 season where he started 17 games and passed for over 3,900 yards and 21 touchdowns. However, inconsistency and coaching changes ultimately led to his being traded to Seattle ahead of the 2024 season, where he served primarily as a backup.
Now, Howell will get a fresh start in Minnesota, where head coach Kevin O’Connell is known for his quarterback-friendly offensive system. The Vikings believe Howell’s mobility, arm strength, and starting experience could be valuable assets either as a high-end backup or even as a potential future trade chip.
Meanwhile, by picking up the 172nd selection in the trade, Minnesota will still be able to add another developmental prospect later in the draft, minimizing the cost of acquiring Howell. It’s a strategic move for a franchise that wants to ensure it has as many options at quarterback as possible in an increasingly competitive NFC North.
For Seattle, the deal signals a continued commitment to reshaping their roster. With Geno Smith entrenched as the starter and a new focus on younger talent through the draft, the Seahawks decided that Howell was expendable in order to pick up an earlier draft pick.
As for McCarthy, the addition of Howell shouldn’t change the team’s long-term plans. Minnesota remains fully invested in their 2024 first-round pick, who has impressed coaches with his leadership and work ethic during his rookie season. Still, the competition and mentorship opportunities could prove valuable for both players.
The Vikings’ quarterback room just got a lot more interesting.
