Eagles Trade for Sam Howell, Shore Up QB Depth as Tanner McKee Battles Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a decisive move to strengthen their quarterback depth, acquiring Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade on Sunday morning. The move comes as the team faces uncertainty surrounding the health of backup quarterback Tanner McKee, who sustained a finger injury during a recent practice. The trade gives the Eagles a proven, experienced option behind starter Jalen Hurts just weeks before the regular season begins.

A Proactive Move for Quarterback Depth

To secure Sam Howell, the Eagles sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder to the Vikings, receiving the 24-year-old quarterback and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return. The trade was a direct response to the finger injury suffered by Tanner McKee, who is now in danger of missing the September 4 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. McKee has not practiced since sustaining the injury and was seen on the sideline of the team’s preseason finale with his throwing hand in his sweatshirt pocket.

With rookie quarterback Kyle McCord still developing and not yet ready to assume backup duties, the Eagles identified the need for a more reliable option. This move ensures the team has a capable No. 2 quarterback ready to step in should McKee’s recovery extend into the regular season.

Sam Howell‘s Whirlwind Journey to Philadelphia

Sam Howell has had a rollercoaster start to his NFL career since being selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. In 2023, he started all 17 games for the Eagles’ divisional rival, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 21 touchdowns on a league-high 612 attempts. However, he also led the league with 21 interceptions, as the Commanders finished with a disappointing 4-13 record.

After being traded to the Seattle Seahawks, he spent the 2024 season backing up Geno Smith and saw limited action. He was then traded to the Vikings in the offseason to compete for a backup role. The Vikings’ decision to trade Howell came on the same day they reportedly signed veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, a former Eagle himself, making Howell available for a fresh start.

What This Means for the Eagles

The addition of Sam Howell to the Eagles’ roster provides a low-risk, high-reward solution to their depth concerns. While Howell is prone to turnovers, his experience as a full-time starter and his ability to throw for significant yardage make him a far more prepared backup than an unproven rookie. His skill set, which includes a strong arm and a willingness to extend plays, is a good fit for an Eagles offense built around Jalen Hurts.

In a corresponding move to make room for Howell, the Eagles waived safety Lewis Cine with an injury designation. Cine, who had been dealing with a groin injury for most of training camp, sustained another injury late in the preseason finale. With these moves, the Eagles have prioritized securing their quarterback position, ensuring they are well-prepared for any scenario as the season gets underway.