The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Sam Howell and the 172nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the 142nd overall pick, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Vikings were in need of a backup quarterback after a busy offseason that saw Sam Darnold depart in free agency, leaving J.J. McCarthy (knee) as the team's presumptive starter. Ironically, Darnold went to the Seahawks, and Seattle also drafted Jalen Milroe on Friday, leaving Howell as the odd man out. Now, he'll bring his experience and leadership to Minnesota. It's an important addition for the Vikings given that McCarthy, who was last year's first-round pick, has not played a regular-season snap yet. He should start Week 1 this season, but Howell will be next in line if McCarthy suffers another injury or struggles.
Apr 26, 2025 2:13 PM EST
The Seattle Seahawks are open to trading quarterback Sam Howell and have received inquiries from teams interested in landing the backup signal-caller, according to sources. The interest comes after Seattle reunited with former backup Drew Lock last week. Sam Darnold is the starter, but the Seahawks also have Jaren Hall as their No. 4 QB. General manager John Schneider said last week that the team is prepared to have Howell and Lock compete for the backup job behind Darnold this summer. Seattle acquired Howell in a trade last March with the Washington Commanders, giving up third- and fifth-round picks in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round picks. The 24-year-old didn't look great at all in relief of Geno Smith in December after he started all 17 games for the Commanders in 2023, throwing 21 touchdowns and a league-high 21 interceptions.
Apr 21, 2025 11:02 PM EST
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team doesn't plan on playing backup quarterback Sam Howell in their Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 17, but it sounds as though they plan to play all of their starters this weekend to close out the season. Howell has played only 25 offensive snaps in his first year in Seattle and didn't look particularly confident in the rare instances he got into a game this year. Despite dealing with a nagging knee injury of late, the 34-year-old Geno Smith should start and play all of the Week 18 game, lining him up as a QB1 option this week with so many starters across the league being rested in the season finale. Smith enters Week 18 as the QB13 in overall fantasy points with 4,097 passing yards, 17 TDs and 15 interceptions in 16 games.
Jan 1, 2025 5:04 PM EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell went 11-for-14 for 153 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Howell looked shaky early on as the Titans blitzed aggressively out of the gate resulting in back-to-back three-and-outs. Howell actually fumbled while being sacked on the second drive but had the good fortune that a teammate was in position to fall on the ball. Howell recovered well on the team's third possession resulting in a touchdown to Easop Winston Jr. This was Howell's second start in as many preseason games for the Seahawks. Geno Smith (hip/knee) returned to practice last week and carried no designation coming into Saturday but ultimately sat. Howell will be backing up Smith to start the season but it was an encouraging effort after the early miscues.
Aug 18, 2024 2:56 AM EST
Quarterback Sam Howell enjoyed a win in his debut with the Seahawks on Saturday. Howell went 16-for-27 for 130 yards and a touchdown as a passer in Seattle's 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also gained 17 yards on four rushes. The Chargers' aggressive pass rush kept pressure on Howell throughout the game resulting in several throwaways and broken plays. Howell's first score in a Seahawk uniform was a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brady Russell early in the second quarter. The former Washington Commander came to Seattle via trade in the offseason to back up veteran Geno Smith, who was held out of the preseason game as a precaution. Howell will next be in action when Seattle takes on the Tennessee Titans on August 17.
Aug 11, 2024 4:32 AM EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell is expected to begin the season behind Geno Smith. However, it appears the former Commander isn't a lock to be the No. 2 signal-caller on the depth chart. "Not much," he said when responding to a question about what he knows about his role heading into the 2023-24 campaign. "They just tell me to keep working and just keep trying to get better every single day, and I'm taking it one day at a time, and I really don't worry too much about the future or what plans they might have for me just because nobody really knows." Howell finished last season by throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. He also completed 63.4% of his throws and added five rushing touchdowns. As such, the 23-year-old could get a chance under center in Seattle if Smith struggles at any point during the season, assuming he doesn't win the starting job during training camp. As a result, dynasty managers playing in multi-quarterback setups and have room to spare should keep Howell on the roster, at least for now.
Jun 2, 2024 8:24 PM EST
The Seattle Seahawks traded for former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell on March 14. Although the franchise has already declared Geno Smith as the starter in 2024, general manager John Schneider said he "absolutely" believes Howell can be a full-time starter again in the future. Howell started 17 games for Washington last season, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. He flashed upside and mobility, but the turnover woes proved to mark the end of his short tenure with the Commanders. With Smith turning 34 next season, Seattle will likely have to eye his replacement in the near future. It's not necessarily going to be Howell, but it sounds like the Seahawks are keeping the light on for him moving forward. The North Carolina product doesn't have immediate fantasy value, but he might be worth stashing in Superflex and two-QB dynasty leagues.
Mar 26, 2024 4:11 PM EST
The Seattle Seahawks acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders on Thursday. There was some speculation that Howell was brought in as competition for veteran signal-caller Geno Smith. Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed that they didn't acquire Howell to compete with Smith in camp. It sounds like the Seahawks believe that Howell has the potential to be a starter, but he still has areas to improve upon before moving into that role. Smith is entering the final year of his deal, so maybe the Seahawks move onto Howell after 2024. Regardless, it looks like the plan is for Smith to be under center to begin the 2024 season.
Mar 14, 2024 9:51 PM EST
The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to send a 2024 third-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for quarterback Sam Howell, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 sixth-round pick. Washington just added veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota and is expected to take a rookie quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft, so Howell became expendable. The 23-year-old started 17 games for Washington last year, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. He rushed for 263 yards and five scores. Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is entering the final year of his contract and regressed from 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2022 to 3,624 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023. Although Smith is likely still the favorite to start for Seattle in 2024, Howell could push for the job this offseason.
Mar 14, 2024 4:15 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell completed 19 of 27 passes for 153 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions along with one reception for four yards and four carries for negative one yard during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. After a series of rough outings, the second-year quarterback closed out the season with his second underwhelming performance against Dallas. In addition to his interceptions, Howell also underthrew a wide-open Terry McLaurin for what would've been a massive touchdown on Washington's first possession. With the Commanders locked into a top-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they're a likely suitor for a high-end quarterback prospect. So, after starting every game this year, Howell will probably be relegated to the backup role next season.
Jan 7, 2024 7:21 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been on a downward spiral as inefficient and mistake-ridden play has quickly overshadowed the promise he showed earlier in the season. This week, the second-year quarterback has a tough matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. During their previous matchup in Week 12, Howell couldn't get much going while Washington fell victim to a 35-point blowout loss. Now, if the Cowboys win this game, they'll be locked in as NFC East division champions. While the Cowboys have everything to gain by winning this matchup, the Commanders have no reason to shoot for a win other than pride. With Howell sputtering and Washington having its eyes set on the offseason, he's looking like a low-end QB2 in Week 18.
Jan 5, 2024 2:18 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell will make the start in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Howell was set to get benched in the Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers before backup Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out. The 23-year-old will now close out the season under center and will be facing a Cowboys defense that won't be resting players as they look to win the NFC East with a win. Howell struggled once again last Sunday in a tough matchup against the 49ers, throwing for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The second-year QB has been useful as a streamer in fantasy in good matchups this year, but the turnover-prone gunslinger is a risky QB2 option in Week 18 against a strong Dallas pass rush.
Jan 3, 2024 1:40 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell completed 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While he looked solid in the first half, things fell apart for Howell in the second as he threw two interceptions and quickly lost confidence. The second-year quarterback wasn't originally the starter for this game, but due to a practice injury suffered by Jacoby Brissett (hamstring), he was the starter by default. If Brissett is available for Week 18, it's unlikely that Howell will start for Washington's season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dec 31, 2023 5:18 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell will start versus the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) inactive. Heading into this week, head coach Ron Rivera named Brissett the starter after Howell was benched for the second time this season last Sunday. However, Brissett picked up a hamstring injury and was ultimately deemed too injured to play following pregame warmups. Therefore, Howell will return to the top of the depth chart, making his 16th start of the 2023 season. He has produced mixed results this year but could benefit from a pass-heavy attack against a 49ers secondary that has allowed 241.1 passing yards and 1.1 passing touchdowns per game. Fantasy managers should view Howell as a low-end QB2 option this week.
Dec 31, 2023 11:10 AM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is expected to draw the start under center for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Howell was benched last week after completing only 6-of-22 passing attempts with two interceptions. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) came in and looked much better under center. Sadly, is unlikely to be available for this game due to a lingering hamstring issue. That being said, the Commanders are likely to go back to Howell at quarterback for this weekend. Fantasy managers should stay far away from Howell as he's not a viable option right now.
Dec 30, 2023 6:14 PM EST
Even with his mediocre play, Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell could have another chance to start this week. Due to starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) being questionable for Week 17, Washington may have to turn back to their former starter against the San Francisco 49ers. Howell has struggled mightily as of late, and the matchup with San Francisco doesn't make things any better as they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Considering his below-average play and the rough matchup, Howell is a low-end QB2 if he starts in Week 17.
Dec 29, 2023 3:48 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been benched after a rough outing against the New York Jets on Sunday. Before exiting, Howell completed 6-of-22 passing attempts for 56 yards with two interceptions. After that, the Commanders had seen enough and put in veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center. Brissett led the team to three touchdowns and even took the lead in the fourth quarter. It's tough to imagine the Commanders going back to Howell considering how well Brissett is looking right now. There should be more information on this situation following Sunday's game.
Dec 24, 2023 4:25 PM EST
After being benched in Week 15, Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is aiming to rebound in Week 16. This week, the Commanders are going on the road to face the New York Jets. While you'd like to see some sort of bounce back from the second-year pro, there aren't many spots worse than this. This season, the Jets have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. So, although he's had some success this season, his recent struggles combined with a matchup against the Jets limits his upside. Consider Howell a QB2 at best in Week 16.
Dec 22, 2023 12:42 PM EST
According to Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, quarterback Sam Howell will remain the team's starter. The 23-year-old finished the Week 15 loss to the Rams by throwing for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one pick while completing a hideous 42.3% of his attempts. As a result, Howell was benched in the fourth quarter, with backup Jacoby Brissett entering and throwing two touchdowns. At any rate, despite Howell's recent struggles, he'll stay under center for the Week 16 meeting with the New York Jets. Although the signal-caller has had some impressive fantasy outings this season, he can't be trusted in any matchup moving forward, at least until he gets his act together. Howell's potential continued lack of production also isn't ideal for guys like Terry McLaurin, Johan Dotson, and the rest of the offense.
Dec 17, 2023 7:47 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell struggled in Sunday's loss to the Rams. The signal-caller went 11-for-26 passing for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He added three carries for 22 yards. However, Howell was benched late in the game, opening the door for Jacoby Brissett to enter and finish with two passing touchdowns. There weren't any reports indicating Howell was injured, so it's likely he was benched for performance reasons. As a result, he may not be under center for the Week 16 meeting with the Jets, which would eliminate what little fantasy value he has left.
Dec 17, 2023 7:24 PM EST
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