Who Should I Start? Ryan Tannehill or Sam Howell

Friday, March 21, 10:16 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have had talks with former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Talks are ongoing but nothing is imminent at this moment. For the time being, the Vikings have told free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers that they are not interested and are moving ahead full steam with last year's first-rounder, J.J. McCarthy (knee), as their starting signal-caller in 2025. However, after both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency this offseason, the Vikes continue to search for QB insurance behind McCarthy, and Tannehill could be their guy. The 36-year-old didn't join a team for the 2024 season and played in only 10 games (eight starts) in his final season in Tennessee in 2023, throwing for 1,616 yards, four TDs and seven picks. If Tannehill joins the Vikings, it would strictly be as their backup behind McCarthy.

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.