The Vikings are trading QB Sam Howell and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Eagles for fifth- and seventh-round picks in the same draft. Minnesota acquired Howell during this year’s draft, but for only a move down in Round 5. The move would seem to put Howell in competition with Tanner McKee for the backup job, but he appears to be Philly's No. 3 -- perhaps the early-season backup in case McKee's injured thumb isn't ready.
What They're Saying
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network: "QB Tanner McKee suffered a fractured thumb ... that will bring his availability for Week 1 in question. Not a major injury for the clear-cut No. 2, as it's just the top of the thumb. The Sam Howell trade likely would've happened anyway."
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
This will be Howell’s fourth team in three years, though he never played a game with the Vikings.
Howell has reportedly struggled in training camp, and the Vikings worked out and then agreed to terms with QB Carson Wentz in concert with this move.
Howell finished 13th among fantasy QBs as a 17-game starter with Washington in 2023. But the Commanders showed how they felt about him by trading Howell to Seattle after that season, and it doesn’t look like he’ll get another chance to start in the league.
The Eagles’ backup could matter for superflex leagues. If Jalen Hurts goes down, the winner could offer spot-start value.
Sounds like that's McKee's job as soon as his thumb's good, though. And Eagles reporters have shared praise for McKee's summer performance.
The team released QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday.