Who Should I Start? Sam Howell or Hendon Hooker

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.

Sunday, February 2, 2:32 PM

According to Bill Barnell of ESPN.com, the Detroit Lions could release quarterback Hendon Hooker during the offseason. Barnwell noted that since the team re-signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater late in the season, it appears that the Lions do not view Hooker as a potential starting quarterback. Hooker was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not see the field during his rookie season but was able to log 32 snaps this past season. Hooker went 6-for-9 with 62 yards. He added two yards on five rushing attempts. Seeing that the team did not want to enter the postseason with Hooker as the No. 2 option is a telling sign. In addition, the Lions also signed Jared Goff to a four-year extension last May, signaling him as the QB1 for the foreseeable future. Hooker only carries low-end stash value in deeper superflex dynasty formats, as he could be given an opportunity to compete for a backup role elsewhere.