Unless Sam Howell can reverse a troubling trend of struggles at training camp in the Minnesota Vikings‘ upcoming preseason opener, the team seems expected to be on the lookout for another backup.
The assumed QB2 through training camp, Howell ceded second-team reps to Brett Rypien last week after he was benched for throwing an interception in practice. It appeared to be a breaking point for Kevin O’Connell, who could be on the search for a more capable backup behind J.J. McCarthy.
“I think there is going to continue to be a hunt for an option here,” Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling said on the “Access Vikings” podcast. We saw them do that three years ago with Nick Mullens — making the trade for him during the preseason — and he ends up becoming the No. 2 quarterback for the next three years… 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.”
A name that has surfaced in recent days due to the precarious quarterback situation in Cleveland is Browns QB Kenny Pickett. The Browns currently have five quarterbacks in camp and will need to shed weight at some point.
Kenny Pickett Fits Sam Darnold Mold, Could Be Cheap Trade for Vikings
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett.
After naming Joe Flacco its QB1 ahead of the preseason, Cleveland signed Tyler Huntley. The Browns weren’t short on passers, meaning Huntley wasn’t brought in as a practice arm but as a genuine look at another option outside of their room.
Considering Cleveland just spent draft picks on rookies Dillon Gabriel (3rd, 94th overall) and Shedeur Sanders (5th, 144th overall), Pickett could be the odd-man-out and available for a trade.
Pickett fits the mold of Sam Darnold, a 27-year-old former first-round pick who has had early struggles in his career. Pickett only saw 24 starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they drafted him 17th overall in the 2022 draft. He compiled a 14-10 record as a game manager, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in those two seasons played.
Pickett completed 25 of 42 pass attempts for 291 yards, two touchdowns and an interception with the Philadelphia Eagles last year.
It would be a tall task for Pickett to come in and assume the pass-heavy role O’Connell tasks his quarterbacks with, however, if he is seen as more responsible with the ball than Howell, the Vikings are better prepared to lean more on the run, adding Jordan Mason and three new starting offensive linemen in the offseason, than in years past.
The Browns would likely take a Day 3 pick for Pickett, considering they’ll have to cut at least one quarterback come September.
Sam Howell’s Poor Practice Overshadows J.J. McCarthy Concerns
GettyJ.J. McCarthy has impressed at times during training camp.
While Brian Flores’ defense has caused fits for quarterbacks in practice over the years, McCarthy has managed to stay afloat while Howell is sinking against the second team.
“I think that if you played Sam Howell right now, you’re not scoring any touchdowns at all. Like that’s that’s how it looks. At least when Mullens came in, they played these exciting crazy games. We’re too far into this to say, ‘Hey, give them more time,’ ” Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller said after Howell’s benching. “I wouldn’t be shocked if they were on the phone today. It’s been so bad after this. This was one of the worst practices you will see from any quarterback.”
“It’s very possible that it could get better. It could click in. It could improve. It’s just that when you can’t even complete passes, you can’t even run plays. It’s not really helping them develop a lot of guys or prepare a lot of guys.”
Fortunately, McCarthy has not been the biggest concern at quarterback for Minnesota, but if Howell cannot improve, the pressure will be more so on McCarthy, considering the team’s championship aspirations cannot be shouldered by any backup currently rostered.
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