The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear they are focused on building for the future, and after years of searching, they’ve found their franchise quarterback in JJ McCarthy. However, the team still has one crucial move to make—securing a reliable veteran backup quarterback. To ensure they’re prepared for any situation, the Vikings need to target proven backups, with two ideal candidates standing out: Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks and Aidan O’Connell from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Need for a Reliable Backup
While JJ McCarthy represents the Vikings’ future, even the most promising young quarterbacks need solid support behind them. The Vikings can’t afford to leave their season in the hands of an unproven backup, making it essential to secure a dependable second-string quarterback to complete their roster.
Currently, the Vikings’ quarterback depth is a major concern, with little behind McCarthy. Following the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, the backup position is largely unsettled. History has shown that playoff contenders need a capable backup, as multiple teams’ seasons were derailed by injuries to their starting quarterbacks last year. If Minnesota intends to compete seriously in 2025, they must act quickly to add veteran support behind McCarthy.
Two Trade Targets for Minnesota
Sam Howell: The High-Upside Option
Sam Howell was once projected as a top-10 draft pick before his stock dropped in his final college season. After starting for the Washington Commanders, Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, but with Seattle moving forward with their own quarterback plans, Howell is now expendable. This makes him a strong trade candidate for the Vikings, offering the potential of a high-upside backup with starting experience.
Sam Howell
Minnesota’s Free Agency Recap: A New Era Begins
Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Vikings faced uncertainties at quarterback, but they made the right decision in letting Sam Darnold walk, which freed up cap space to address other roster needs. Some of their moves raised concerns, especially their aggressive spending. While bolstering both the offensive and defensive lines was crucial, overpaying for aging veterans like Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen was a questionable move. However, with defensive coordinator Brian Flores known for maximizing talent, the decision could still pay off.
On offense, the Vikings could see significant improvement if Ryan Kelly and Will Fries stay healthy. A more cautious approach might have been targeting a young running back in the draft instead of re-signing 30-year-old Aaron Jones and trading for Jorsan Mason. Despite some of these questionable moves, the Vikings are positioned well for the season—if they can shore up their quarterback depth before Week 1.
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