Sam Howell's NFL journey has been an eventful one. Now, he's getting one more chance to resurrect his career with some familiar faces.
The Washington Commanders removed Howell from the equation last offseason when Jayden Daniels became the guy. Adam Peters got a tremendous return for the signal-caller, who was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks for a package that included a third-round pick. After backing up Geno Smith in 2024, he's on the move again.
Howell's fate was all but sealed this offseason. The Seahawks wanted to hit the reset button at football's most important position. They spent big money on Sam Darnold in free agency. They signed veteran Drew Lock. They also used a Day 2 draft pick on Jalen Milroe, the physically gifted yet flawed signal-caller out of Alabama.
An uncertain future awaited Howell. Fortunately, he's still young enough to be molded into something more.
Former Commanders QB Sam Howell gets NFL lifeline with the Vikings
This was recognized by the Minnesota Vikings, who traded the No. 142 overall selection in exchange for Howell and the No. 172 pick. As far as landing spots go, he couldn't have asked for anything more.
Kevin O'Connell, a former Washington coach, has a glowing reputation when it comes to developing quarterbacks. The Vikings have a confirmed starter in former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, but Howell has a fantastic opportunity to be the No. 2 option in the final year of his deal.
Things could have been a lot worse for Howell. Teams still look somewhat favorably on his one season as the Commanders' starting quarterback. He struggled to maintain consistency behind a woeful offensive line, but the highs, albeit fleeting, were incredible.
The margin for error is long gone for Howell. If he can't develop and improve under O'Connell, another opportunity seems unlikely. Even if he doesn't get playing time, demonstrating the right work ethic and being a good teammate might be enough to get another deal in Minnesota.
It's a fine line.
Commanders fans still take a keen interest in Howell's career. But their future looks much more promising with Daniels leading the charge.