-
Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have made changes to their quarterback depth by signing Carson Wentz and trading backup Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple sources on Sunday.
For Howell, the Vikings obtained a fifth-round pick from the Eagles in the 2026 draft. Additionally, the two teams exchanged picks for 2027, with the Vikings getting a seventh-round selection while the Eagles received a sixth-round choice.
This extra pick provides the Vikings with additional options to look for a veteran receiver to address another gap in their roster. According to sources, they have expressed interest in veteran Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers, but the Panthers have been hesitant to let him go.
1 Related
Wentz has been a free agent since his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs ended in March. This will be his sixth team in six seasons, but the Vikings are optimistic he will adapt quickly to their offense after spending the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams, whose scheme bears similarities to that of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. Wentz also shared a roster with Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019.
Wentz’s signing signifies the conclusion of the Vikings’ unexpectedly challenging search for a capable quarterback to support McCarthy. Veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones both declined offers in March, understanding that McCarthy would likely take the starting role after missing his rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. The franchise also considered a proposition from Aaron Rodgers, who ultimately signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Howell, 24, faced difficulties throughout training camp and parts of the preseason after being acquired by the Vikings from the Seattle Seahawks in April in exchange for draft picks. Coaches have shown admiration for undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who may become their No. 3 quarterback, but the team desired more seasoned backup support for McCarthy.
This trade to the Eagles marks Howell’s third transaction since he was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.
Tanner McKee, projected to be the Eagles’ No. 2 quarterback, sustained a non-surgical finger injury to his throwing hand last week in training camp practice. He consulted with a trainer and general manager Howie Roseman after an 11-on-11 session, and he has not participated in practice since then.
«We’ll see,» coach Nick Sirianni remarked when questioned about McKee’s Week 1 status. «You all know he’s dealing with a finger injury. He’s working on his recovery. We’ll see how he progresses.»
Rookie Kyle McCord, currently serving as the third-string quarterback, has experienced a variable summer and likely requires more time before seeing any NFL gameplay.
Howell had limited familiarity with the Vikings’ system and struggled significantly during training camp. He did not participate in the Vikings’ preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans on Friday night, and while O’Connell expressed confidence in Howell’s progress after the game, the Vikings brought Wentz in for a workout at their practice facility the following day.
Wentz, 32, was the second overall pick in the 2016 draft. His peak season occurred in 2017, where he finished third in the MVP voting after amassing 3,296 passing yards and 33 touchdowns over 13 games. However, he missed the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run due to a torn ACL, leading to his trade to the Indianapolis Colts before the 2021 season. He has since played for the Commanders (2022), the Rams (2023), and the Chiefs (2024).
Across nine NFL seasons, he has thrown for 22,410 yards with 153 touchdown passes against 67 interceptions.
ESPN’s Tim McManus contributed to this report.
