Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Sam Howell

Thursday, April 3, 7:26 PM

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.

Saturday, April 26, 2:13 PM

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.