Vikings Sign Carson Wentz, Trade Sam Howell to Eagles

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug 24 (Reuters) – The Minnesota Vikings took a big step on Sunday. They signed veteran quarterback Carson Wentz and sent Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles in a draft-pick trade.

Wentz, 32, agreed to terms after completing a workout with Minnesota on Saturday. In the 2024 season, he served as Patrick Mahomes’s backup on the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in three games, totaling 118 yards, and made one start. The Eagles are trading Howell to the Vikings. In return, they will send a fifth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-round pick in 2027. The Vikings will also get a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Howell, 24, was acquired by Minnesota this offseason. He had a tough time in training camp and the preseason. He will support Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia as Tanner McKee heals from a finger injury.

Wentz, originally the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft, becomes the veteran No. 2 behind J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the regular-season opener. In almost ten years in the NFL, he has started 94 games. He completed 62.7% of his passes for 22,153 yards. He threw 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions, earning an 89.3 passer rating.

The move brings Wentz back together with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, who was his backup in Philadelphia in 2019. This adds an experienced voice to Minnesota’s young QB room. The Vikings want to support starter Kirk Cousins and get McCarthy ready for his first full season.