Story by
MN Vikings Trade for QB, Draft Pass Rusher
- Story by
- MN Vikings Trade for QB, Draft Pass Rusher
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings came into the NFL Draft lacking much in the form of capital. That didn't deter them from following through on their process. At 24th overall they grabbed offensive guard Donovan Jackson rather than accumulating more picks.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah landed wide receiver Tai Felton with the third round compensatory selection awarded for the departure of Kirk Cousins . With just two picks left on the final day, there was a possibility that the Vikings could have went all offense.
Advertisement
Plenty of heavy lifting is already done thanks to an active free agency . One thing Minnesota has been missing is a backup for J.J. McCarthy . There was some steam a reunion with Kirk Cousins could happen , but that may have been awkward. It's now off the table as well.
Sam Howell lands backup job with Minnesota Vikings
It always seemed as though the Vikings would land their backup quarterback through a trade. Despite Shedeur Sanders falling to the 5th round of the NFL Draft, Minnesota stuck to their guns and swung a deal with the Seattle Sehawks for their new QB2.
The #Vikings have acquired QB @Sam7Howell in a trade with the Seahawks . pic.twitter.com/G34dkkAihP
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025
Of course the Seahawks landed their new starter in the form of Sam Darnold when they handed him the bag this offseason. Howell was set to back him up, but will now head to Minnesota and hold the clipboard for J.J. McCarthy.
Advertisement
The former North Carolina product was a fifth round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022. He played just one game as a rookie before starting all 17 in 2023 . His 612 passing attempts led the league that year and he turned them into 3,946 yards on a 63.4% completion rate.
Howell scrambles for his second rushing TD today
📺: #MIAvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/CPyAQblXLO— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
Howell is an athletic quarterback and utilizes his legs as well. He scored five touchdowns on the ground in 2023 while scrambling for 263 yards. Unfortunately for Howell, he also led the league in interceptions with 21. That neutralized his 21 touchdowns and kept him from Washington's future plans.
Howell backed up Geno Smith in Seattle last season but saw the field in just two games. He attempted only 14 passes and has assumed the role of a veteran backup.
With starting experience the hope is that Howell can impart a bit of wisdom on the young McCarthy. He won't be a threat to take over the starting job, and Kevin O'Connell can now fully usher in a new era under center.
Advertisement
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins joins MN Vikings defensive front
Using the first overall pick in the fifth round that was acquired from Cleveland in the Za'Darius Smith trade, Minnesota grabbed another pass rusher. The defensive front has been a focal point this offseason and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins keeps adding to it.
A disruptor on defense 😤 @TID9ine3
📺: NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network pic.twitter.com/xvYLCXe3Zt— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025
Brian Flores continues to stockpile pass rushers. Last season both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were stars for the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie Dallas Turner flashed at times as well. Now Ingram-Dawkins will look to make his mark amongst that group.
The Georgia defensive lineman played in 14 games last season and recorded 19 tackles. He had eight for losses and recorded three sacks. He has the ability to come off the edge, but can also play some interior offensive line.
Advertisement
Related: NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson
Minnesota has worked heavily in the trenches this offseason . Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave both signed with the Vikings to solidify the interior defensive line. The group as a whole will look to help take pressure off of the Minnesota secondary.
The Vikings have just a single selection remaining. The own the 36th pick in the fifth round (172nd overall) which was acquired in the trade for Sam Howell.
