Sam Howell just landed in Philly, and the Liberty Bell already feels a little louder on a Monday morning.
The NFL offseason is a wild rollercoaster. And Howell just got whiplash. One minute, he’s battling for a backup job in Minnesota. The next, he’s packing his bags.
It’s a tough league where a couple of bad practices can send you on a cross-country trip faster than a rookie’s first endorsement deal.
Howell is now in Philadelphia. The Eagles acquired the quarterback on Sunday. And Howie Roseman sent future draft picks to the Vikings. This move shocked many analysts. But clearly, Minnesota’s view had changed dramatically.
From Purple Reign to Eagle Nest
The Vikings' quick pivot is telling. They signed veteran Carson Wentz immediately after the trade. This wasn't just a trade. It was a dismissal, at least according to some analysts.
As Mike Florio bluntly stated on PFT Live, “Kevin O’Connell... said last week that the number two position is open. I guess we should have thought there’s a chance it's going to be none of the above. And so far, it looks like the number two quarterback is none of the above. Sam Howell is dumped via trade to the Eagles.”
The Vikings didn't just move on from Howell. They dumped him. So, what went wrong for Howell in Minnesota?
Reports from camp were brutal. He struggled with timing and decision-making. Analyst Chris Simms pointed out specific flaws, saying, “I think one, that Sam Howell—he didn’t impress when he was up there."
"And I think you couple that with maybe some decisions throwing the football, the interceptions, some other ones that probably made Kevin O’Connell go, 'Oh wow, wait, I don’t know if I really trust him here if he’s got to come in the game and do that.' Let alone, he’s got a little reputation of holding the ball too long,” Simms added. His tendency to hold the ball too long sealed his fate.
Ultimately, the Vikings prioritized experience for rookie J.J. McCarthy. They needed a steady hand, not a project. Simms explained the logic, stating, “They go with Carson Wentz. One, he’s the older veteran type of guy.” Hence, Sam Howell became an expendable asset for them.
What Sam Howell brings to Philadelphia
Remember Jeff Garcia in 2007? The ex-Philly rescued the Buccaneers after a 4–12 season. Howell owns 18 NFL starts and a 107.2 rating in two meetings with the Eagles. That stat alone buys instant credibility inside the NovaCare locker room.
This is a classic Roseman depth move. Backup Tanner McKee’s fractured thumb created an immediate need. Hence, acquiring a player like Howell became a smart, low-risk gamble. He provides crucial insurance behind star Jalen Hurts.
Howell’s 2023 tape shows 612 attempts and 65 sacks. He also aired it out for 3,946 yards. Doug Pederson once coaxed a Pro Bowl year from Nick Foles. Nick Sirianni can repeat the trick.
Howell’s 18 career starts are a major asset. He has seen live NFL fire. Even on a bad Commanders team. This experience is invaluable for a QB3. The Eagles essentially rented a known quantity for a late-round pick swap.
The financials make perfect sense as well. Howell is on his cheap rookie deal. This allows Philly to stash a capable arm without cap strain. Roseman masterfully used future draft capital to solve a present-day problem.
This trade is a fresh start for the quarterback. Philadelphia offers a stable environment and a top-tier offensive line. For Howell, it’s a chance to reset his career narrative away from the Minnesota pressure cooker. He can learn and develop without immediate expectations.
Ultimately, this is a story of redemption and opportunity. The Eagles bolstered their roster with a savvy, calculated move. Meanwhile, Philadelphia represents a new chapter for Howell.
Read more: Lane Johnson gave up on training camp early as Eagles OT confirms 'worst' issue
Howell now owns a new playbook, a new locker, and maybe a new nickname by Friday. As the great novelist John Irving once wrote, “You have to get obsessed and stay obsessed.” Howell now has that chance in Philly.