Surprise Roster Problem Could Force Vikings Hand

Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talks with tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images It may not have been on fans’ bingo boards, mainly because the Minnesota Vikings employ a “quarterback whisperer” as their head coach, but the team appears to be facing some backup quarterback turmoil. A quiet roster matter is gaining steam in the Twin Cities. As the Vikings evaluate the roster, one sneaky position may force the team’s hand before Week 1. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired Sam Howell via trade from the Seattle Seahawks during the 2025 NFL Draft, and because Howell dimed almost 4,000 passing yards with the Washington Commanders two seasons ago, most agree he’d do the trick in the Twin Cities behind 22-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Through almost two weeks of training camp, though, QB2 may be an emergent roster concern. Sam Howell Struggles, QB2 in Doubt The Vikings could find a contingency plan for Howell. Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) surveys the field during action at MetLife Stadium. Howell, a 2022 draft pick, has experienced both highs and lows in his young NFL career. He remains a developmental option for teams evaluating quarterback depth. Dec 24, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports. Backup QB Spot Suddenly Shaky At the Vikings’ latest practice, a Saturday event, Howell performed better than the first several days. Still, throughout training camp, Howell has routinely put interceptions on tape — often to second-string defenders. It’s not ideal. Due to the backup passer woes, Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling said on his Access Vikings podcast over the weekend, “I think there is going to continue to be a hunt for an option here … If they found something they liked that worked in a trade, I wouldn’t be surprised if they found a way to make something happen. I don’t think that’s a settled issue at this point.” Goessling is plugged into all things Vikings and wouldn’t pedal the contingency plan theory for kicks. His revelation brought a tangible roster need for the purple team to the forefront. Of course, Minnesota has two other signal-callers on the 90-man roster: Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer. The team, in theory, could secretly love Rypien, potentially nominating him for QB2 and merely flipping the depth chart order. Otherwise, Brosmer is an undrafted free agent from the University of Minnesota, and head coach Kevin O’Connell has spoken glowingly of the Golden Gopher since late April. Yet, ask yourself this — would O’Connell really tab Rypien or Brosmer for a QB2 assignment after he’s watched back-to-back seasons fall by the wayside to the tune of replacement quarterbacks? Maybe. But unlikely. Preseason Will Tell All for Sam Howell Minnesota will reportedly play McCarthy in the first preseason game — which is Saturday — and then put the youngster on ice for the remainder of August. With McCarthy on the bench, keeping his health intact, Howell will receive ample playing time in three preseason games. Rather easily, the 25-year-old can wipe away training camp follies and prove to coaches, teammates, and fans that he belongs in Minnesota as the QB2. It’s all up to him.