Vikings Trade Pitch Lands Gunslinger QB With Sam Darnold Upside

Seahawks beat reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune Gregg Bell reported that Lock's signing has put fourth-year quarterback Sam Howell's future in doubt. 

Last season, the former Washington Commanders fifth-round picks struggled in relief of Geno Smith, getting sacked four times and completing just five passes of 19 dropbacks after he was thrust into action against the Green Bay Packers.

The year before, Howell was done no favors by a Commanders organization that was undergoing a transition of ownership and drafted Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall the next year. Unlike seventh-rounder Brock Purdy, who was plugged into a ready-to-win San Francisco 49ers team, Howell had no support a Day 3 pick at quarterback would need to be successful. 

Backstopped by a defense that allowed the most points in the league, the Commanders offense became one-dimensional, often playing from behind. Howell attempted the most passes in the league (612) and led the NFL in sacks (65) and interceptions (21).

There's plenty of work to be done. However, the former North Carolina quarterback, who is tied with Drake Maye for the most passing touchdowns thrown in a single season, has a gunslinger mentality that Kevin O'Connell relished with former backup Nick Mullens. Some draft pundits saw him as a second-round talent, including NFL.com's Lance Zierlein.

Howell's footwork and timing have been the bane of his career so far. But in a system as complementary to quarterbacks as the Vikings, Howell, who will be just 25 years old entering the 2025 season, could undergo a similar career reboot as Sam Darnold, who battled with the same issues earlier in his career.

The Seahawks gave up third- and sixth-round picks for Howell and fourth- and sixth-round picks, essentially landing Howell for moving back 24 spots to the tail-end of the third round.

It's looking like a bad deal that has left a bad taste in Seattle. The Lock signing is a sign they may be ready to rid themselves and recoup anything they can for Howell.

The options are scarce as the Vikings remain idle on finding their QB2, but Howell would be a fitting candidate for O'Connell's quarterback school.

Howell could develop in the background with the potential of returning to action with renewed mechanics and confidence. 

Darnold was more physically gifted coming out of college, but if the Vikings could elevate Howell to a level between Darnold and Mullens, they would have the ideal backup to support McCarthy who could make a run if needed.