By Dianna Russini, Alec Lewis, Brooks Kubena, Zach Berman and Jenna West

The Minnesota Vikings are making a change at quarterback ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline by trading backup Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signing veteran Carson Wentz, league sources said.

The Eagles are also sending a 2026 fifth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick to Minnesota, while Philadelphia will gain a 2026 sixth-round pick.

The Vikings are signing QB Carson Wentz after bringing him in for a workout Saturday, sources tell me and @alec_lewis. pic.twitter.com/XnXKNzzfWs

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 24, 2025

The 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.

Wentz, 32, played backup behind Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, throwing for 118 yards and zero touchdowns in three games (0ne start). Wentz, who is entering his 10th NFL season, has remained unsigned this offseason after the Chiefs replaced him with Gardner Minshew.

Howell, 24, heads to the Eagles after the Seattle Seahawks traded him to the Vikings in April. Last season, he was third on Seattle’s 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.

Why Minnesota made this move

Howell didn’t have a good camp. He struggled to process the field and didn’t 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’s more a matter of aptitude and quick decision-making.

The Vikings were more motivated to make the deal, given the way undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has looked during training camp. The Vikings’ staff has raved about Brosmer for weeks. He hasn’t taken snaps with the second-team unit, but coach Kevin O’Connell has had faith in the way he’s run the offense.

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’ group, and moving on from Howell allows Brosmer more room to ascend behind McCarthy. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer

Howell fills Eagles’ roster needs

The Eagles were scheduled to enter the season with less depth at quarterback than they usually like — even before Tanner McKee’s finger injury. That McKee’s availability is jeopardized made this trade a no-brainer. Neither Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s nor sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord’s 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.

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’s injury is considered minor, and he is not expected to begin the season on injured reserve, according to a league source.

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. — Brooks Kubena, Eagles beat writer

Eagles protecting one of their coveted positions

The Eagles value the backup quarterback role — owner Jeffrey Lurie has called it a key part of a successful franchise — but they faced the prospect of uncertainty at the position entering Week 1. Coach Nick Sirianni was non-committal about McKee’s status for the season opener.

“We’ll see,” Sirianni said after the preseason finale. “You guys know he’s dealing with a finger. He’s working to get back. We’ll see where he is.”

McKee did not require surgery, but he kept his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket while on the sideline throughout Friday’s game. On the trade market, McKee would have value if the Eagles were blown away by a deal.

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’s development since drafting him in the sixth round in 2023. — Zach Berman, Eagles senior writer

(Photo of Carson Wentz: Corey Perrine / Florida Times-Union / USA Today Network)