Sam Howell Traded to Eagles After Vikings Sign Carson Wentz

The Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing Carson Wentz, reshaping quarterback depth for both teams.

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Washington Commanders quarterback, Sam Howell, before the start of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx…
Photo: All-Pro Reels / CC BY via Wikimedia Commons · source

The Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing Carson Wentz, reshaping quarterback depth for both teams. The move creates a preseason QB2 battle behind Dak Prescott in Dallas, with Howell facing his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, in Week 1.

Samuel Duke Howell has been traded by the Minnesota Vikings to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings signed former NFL starter Carson Wentz after a tryout, creating a quarterback depth shift that led to Howell’s move. Howell, who set school records at North Carolina with 38 touchdown passes in a single season and 10,283 career passing yards, was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 draft. He later played for the Washington Commanders before joining the Vikings. Howell’s career trajectory includes stints with the Commanders and now the Eagles, where he competes with Jacoby Brissett and Joe Milton III for a backup role behind Dak Prescott in Dallas. The trade reflects the Eagles’ need for quarterback insurance after Tanner McKee’s injury, and the Vikings received draft capital in exchange. The move matters now because Howell will face his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, in preseason Week 1, offering a key opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for an NFL role. Analysts and fans are also tracking his rising profile, including speculation about his net worth in 2025.

Vikings trade Howell to Eagles, sign Wentz

The Minnesota Vikings traded quarterback Samuel Duke Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing veteran Carson Wentz. The trade followed a tryout and was driven by quarterback depth concerns in Philadelphia, particularly Tanner McKee’s injury. Multiple sources reported the Vikings received draft capital in exchange for Howell. This move marked a shift in Minnesota’s quarterback strategy ahead of training camp.

Samuel Duke Howell played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, setting school records with 38 touchdown passes in a single season and 10,283 career passing yards. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft after starring for the NC State Wolfpack. His college career established him as one of the most prolific passers in school history.

The Cowboys’ preseason Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks offers Howell a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL. Competition for the backup role behind Dak Prescott involves Joe Milton III, with preseason performances seen as critical in determining the final roster.

Wentz’s return to the NFL has sparked movement among teams, with the Vikings signing him after a tryout. His addition shaped the trade dynamics involving Howell.

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Howell's college legacy and draft history

Samuel Duke Howell played college football at the University of North Carolina. He set school records for touchdown passes in a single season with 38 and for career passing yards (10,283) and career touchdown passes (92). The New England Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft, marking the start of his professional journey before he later joined the Philadelphia Eagles.

Competition for backup role behind Dak Prescott

With Dak Prescott the clear starter for the Dallas Cowboys, the team is evaluating options for a reliable backup. Reports suggest Sam Howell and Joe Milton III are competing for the QB2 role, though the Cowboys have not confirmed a starter. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated preseason performances will heavily influence the decision, particularly in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Howell’s previous experience with the Washington Commanders and his college record at North Carolina, including 38 touchdown passes in a single season, add context to the competition. According to reports, the Vikings traded Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing Carson Wentz, a move driven by depth concerns. The outcome of the preseason battle could shape Howell’s future role in the league.

Howell's future and net worth speculation

As of 2025, Sam Howell's net worth has become a topic of public interest, though no verified figures are available. His career trajectory — from UNC standout to multiple NFL teams — reflects a journey shaped by trades and competition. His upcoming role with the Eagles, and potential return to form, remain uncertain but closely watched. The Vikings signed Carson Wentz after a tryout, and the trade was motivated by quarterback depth issues in Philadelphia due to Tanner McKee's injury. Howell’s future with the Eagles hinges on preseason performances, particularly in Week 1 against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks. Reports suggest his path forward is tied to competing with Joe Milton III for a backup role, while his college records of 38 touchdown passes in a single season and 10,283 career passing yards remain part of his legacy. His draft history, selected third by the New England Patriots in 2016, continues to inform assessments of his potential.

Frequently asked questions

How many touchdown passes did Sam Howell throw in a single college season?

He threw 38 touchdown passes in a single college season, setting a school record, according to the briefing.

Which teams did Sam Howell play for before joining the Dallas Cowboys?

He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, according to the briefing.

When was Sam Howell drafted into the NFL and by which team?

He was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, according to the briefing.

Which team did the Vikings trade Sam Howell to?

The Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to the briefing.

Who is competing with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott?

Joe Milton III is competing with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott, according to the briefing.

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