Kevin O’Connell’s vision for the Minnesota Vikings’ offense has always been crystal clear: a high-flying, quarterback-friendly system that asks for smart, quick decision-makers. After grabbing J.J. McCarthy as their future centerpiece, O’Connell made sure to shore up the depth chart behind him too — by swinging a deal for Seattle’s Sam Howell on Saturday. Minnesota sent the Seahawks their 142nd and 172nd picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to bring Howell aboard, making sure McCarthy isn’t walking into Year 1 without a capable backup riding shotgun.
Sam Howell is entering his fourth NFL season, and his story’s been a rollercoaster. Drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (144th overall) back in 2022, Howell spent his rookie year mostly quiet, clipboard in hand. But in 2023, he got tossed into the fire — earning the starting job, leading the entire NFL in pass attempts, and, well… leading in sacks taken and interceptions too. It was a wild ride — flashes of serious arm talent one minute, head-scratching turnovers the next. Washington moved on, and Howell landed in Seattle in 2024 as Geno Smith’s understudy, waiting for a shot that never really came.
Now, with the Vikings, Howell gets a fresh start behind McCarthy — and maybe a coach in O’Connell who can finally tap into that raw potential. Meanwhile, Seattle didn’t waste time: they flipped one of the picks from the Howell trade into Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills. So everybody left the dance with a partner. For Minnesota, though, it’s clear: they’re building the quarterback room they believe can finally take them all the way.
The post Kevin O’Connell Announces QB Signing With Kirk Cousins Waiting After Confirming JJ McCarthy’s Vikings Future appeared first on EssentiallySports.