August 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\nThe move comes one day after Wentz worked out with the Vikings, raising questions about their depth chart at quarterback. Minnesota plans to start J.J. McCarthy to begin the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Wentz, 32, played backup behind Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, throwing for 118 yards and zero touchdowns in three games (one start). Wentz, who is entering his 10th NFL season, has remained unsigned this offseason after the Chiefs replaced him with Gardner Minshew.<\/p>\n
Howell, 24, heads to the Eagles after the Seattle Seahawks traded him to the Vikings in April. Last season, he was third on Seattle\u2019s QB depth chart and played in two games. He spent his first two NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders, who drafted Howell in the fifth round in 2022.<\/p>\n
Why Minnesota made this move<\/p>\n
Howell didn\u2019t have a good camp. He struggled to process the field and didn\u2019t quickly take to an offense that is far more complicated than anything he operated in Washington or Seattle. Minnesota acquired him on a flyer during the draft. His arm talent is evident. He has the requisite arm strength and layering ability. It\u2019s more a matter of aptitude and quick decision-making.<\/p>\n
The Vikings were more motivated to make the deal, given the way undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has looked during training camp. The Vikings\u2019 staff has raved about Brosmer for weeks. He hasn\u2019t taken snaps with the second-team unit, but coach Kevin O\u2019Connell has had faith in the way he\u2019s run the offense.<\/p>\n
Wentz has experience in a similar system with the Los Angeles Rams, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown maintained a relationship with him after they played on the Eagles together. Wentz adds a more veteran voice to the Vikings\u2019 group, and moving on from Howell allows Brosmer more room to ascend behind McCarthy. \u2014 Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer<\/p>\n
Howell fills Eagles\u2019 roster needs<\/p>\n
The Eagles were scheduled to enter the season with less depth at quarterback than they usually like \u2014 even before Tanner McKee\u2019s finger injury. That McKee\u2019s availability is jeopardized made this trade a no-brainer. Neither Dorian Thompson-Robinson\u2019s nor sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord\u2019s preseason performances offered the Eagles the confidence they held in 2024 with Kenny Pickett and McKee as their backups. By adding Howell, who had an efficient preseason with the Vikings, the Eagles have added another quarterback with extended experience as an NFL starter.<\/p>\n
Howell can back up Jalen Hurts to begin the 2025 season, filling in as the QB2 until McKee recovers. There is now little pathway for DTR or McCord to make the 53-man roster. McKee\u2019s injury is considered minor, and he is not expected to begin the season on injured reserve, according to a league source.<\/p>\n
McCord, who played for the entirety of the preseason finale, often struggled with his ball placement and decision making. He finished the game 15-of-35 passing for 136 yards and an interception. If McCord clears waivers, the Eagles can sign him to their practice squad, where he can further develop and be available as an emergency quarterback on game days. \u2014 Brooks Kubena, Eagles beat writer<\/p>\n
Eagles protecting one of their coveted positions<\/p>\n
The Eagles value the backup quarterback role \u2014 owner Jeffrey Lurie has called it a key part of a successful franchise \u2014 but they faced the prospect of uncertainty at the position entering Week 1. Coach Nick Sirianni was non-committal about McKee\u2019s status for the season opener.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Sirianni said after the preseason finale. \u201cYou guys know he\u2019s dealing with a finger. He\u2019s working to get back. We\u2019ll see where he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
McKee did not require surgery, but he kept his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket while on the sideline throughout Friday\u2019s game. On the trade market, McKee would have value if the Eagles were blown away by a deal.<\/p>\n
The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett this offseason to open the No. 2 spot for McKee, preferring that path over dealing McKee. The coaching staff and front office have been bullish on McKee\u2019s development since drafting him in the sixth round in 2023. \u2014 Zach Berman, Eagles senior writer<\/p>\n
(Photo of Carson Wentz: Corey Perrine \/ Florida Times-Union \/ USA Today Network)<\/p>\n