The Vikings later announced they agreed to terms with QB Carson Wentz.
McCarthy, 22, missed his rookie season because of a meniscus tear in his right knee. Given his injury history, the Vikings would need a dependable backup if he were sidelined again. Howell, 24, struggled to prove he could be that throughout the preseason.
In two preseason games for the Vikings, the former North Carolina Tar Heels star went 12-of-18 passing for 118 yards but tossed one interception and posted a subpar 61.8 passer rating.
His past struggles only raise more doubts about Howell. In two seasons with the Washington Commanders, the 2022 fifth-round pick went 5-13 in 18 regular-season starts, throwing the same number of passing touchdowns and interceptions (22). He played two games for the Seattle Seahawks last season, going 5-of-14 passing for 24 yards and one interception.
Wentz, 32, went 0-1 in one start with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, but he’s far more proven than Howell. The 2016 first-round pick had a 47-46-1 starting record in the regular season in his first nine seasons. During this span, he also tossed 153 TD passes and 67 interceptions and earned a second-team All-Pro nod.
More importantly, the former Eagles star has played in a similar offense. Wentz spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams under head coach Sean McVay. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell is a disciple of the ninth-year coach. He served as the Rams offensive coordinator from 2020-21.
With more time, perhaps Howell could improve. However, Minnesota is in win-now mode after going 14-3 in 2024, meaning it wants players who can produce immediately.
The Vikings need a backup QB who could provide a solid contingency plan. Wentz seems more ready to do that than Howell.
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