Former Seahawks quarterback predicted to become 'the next Sam Darnold'

Anonymous NFL exec thinks QB Sam Howell can "become the next Sam Darnold" for Vikings

Dec 1, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) warms up before the game against the New York Jets before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks have renovated their quarterback room since the start of 2025 NFL offseason. The team traded Geno Smith to the Raiders, signed former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency, and dealt Sam Howell to Minnesota.

That wasn't all, though. The Seahawks signed veteran Drew Lock and selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd pick in the 2025 NFL draft. While Darnold will be the guy for Seattle this season, his former team is banking on unproven second-year QB J.J. McCarthy.

The former first-round pick injured his knee during the preseason and was forced to miss the entire 2024 season, This allowed Darnold to showcase his talent and eventually cash in with the Seahawks.

Some NFL execs don't seem to think McCarthy is ready to start. A new feature from Mike Sando of The Athletic quoted an anonymous exec saying he thought Howell could become "the next Sam Darnold" for the Vikings.

“You know what is going to happen?” an exec who wasn’t high on McCarthy asked. “J.J. is going to get banged up, and Howell is going to walk in there and become the next Sam Darnold.”
Via The Athletic's Mike Sando

Howell is essentially in the same position that Darnold was last season. Considering the advantage he has over McCarthy in terms of starting experience, it's not completely out of the question that Howell could see the field in 2025.

The former fifth-round pick started all 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023, passing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Even with the turnovers, Howell's production as a first-year starter was impressive.

The 24-year-old will have to outplay McCarthy to realistically have a shot, but playing for head coach/quarterback guru Kevin O'Connell is a good spot for any young QB looking to resurrect their career.

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