Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Sam Howell

Tuesday, May 6, 11:13 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) is dealing with a right-shoulder that could cause him to miss the start of the 2025 season this fall. Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, Carr thinks he suffered the injury in Week 14 against the New York Giants, the same game he also suffered a left-wrist injury. The 34-year-old veteran was shut down for the rest of the year shortly after that with the Saints out of playoff contention, so Carr didn't really start ramping up his throwing until recently, when he realized his shoulder wasn't right. Slater goes on to say that Carr has had surgery on his shoulder before and would like to avoid another surgery, so he wants to see if he can play through it. He has been to New Orleans twice in recent weeks to meet with the team doctor and remains in constant contact with GM Mickey Loomis. With Carr's status up in the air to start 2025, New Orleans drafted rookie QB Tyler Shough in the second round.

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.