Sometimes it’s not about talent. It’s about timing. That’s what Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said back in April when Minnesota traded for Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks. “Organizations fail quarterbacks long before quarterbacks fail organizations,” he said bluntly. Howell was “a pure talent and all those other things we talk about. He was high up on our board, but just didn’t think it was the right time and place.” The GM went on to compare the situation to dating someone you really like but realize it’s just not the right moment. 

Fast forward four months, and all those words feel like just lip service. August 26 is looming, and the NFL roster cuts are shaping up to be brutal. Sam Howell’s recent trade from the Vikings to the Eagles fits perfectly into this chaos. After being drafted and spending three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Howell is now making headlines with a fresh start at Philadelphia. Ian Rapoport reported, “Trade! The #Vikings are trading QB Sam Howell to the #Eagles, per me and @TomPelissero.”

The trade hadn’t been subtle – the Vikings sent Howell to the Eagles along with a 6th-round pick in 2026, while Minnesota scooped up two future draft picks in a 5th in 2026 and a 7th in 2027. Clearly, Minnesota wanted to change its quarterback scenery fast after recently hosting Carson Wentz on a visit and eventually signing him.

This fits the bigger puzzle Minnesota is quietly trying to solve. After the trade, the Vikings have been actively courting wide receivers, eyeing veterans like Adam Thielen to fill in gaps caused by Jordan Addison’s suspension and injuries to Jalen Nailor. Getting Wentz gives them veteran insurance at QB while they reshuffle around what was Howell’s roster spot.

Meanwhile, Howell’s been no stranger to change. Three trades in 18 months would make most players dizzy: from Washington to Seattle, Seattle to Minnesota, and now Minnesota to Philadelphia. After starting all 17 games for the Commanders in the 2023 season, Howell’s been on the move more than the average NFL journeyman. In the same season, he led the league with 21 interceptions and finished 4-13 as a starter. A mixed bag of potential and mistakes.

In Philadelphia, Howell won’t be starring. He’ll back up Jalen Hurts and serve as a depth piece. This is someone whom the Eagles trust to hold the clipboard and step in if needed, maybe develop into more. He’s young – just 24 – and the NFL grind has only just begun. But how much is all this movement and starting really worth?

Sam Howell’s earnings breakdown

As for Howell’s paycheck? According to Spotrac, his 2025 cap hit for the Eagles sits at a modest $1.1 million, the same as his cash payout. Not exactly franchise-star money, but solid for a quarterback with three NFL seasons under his belt. To date, Howell has earned about $4 million throughout his career. It’s a respectable sum but still leaves him plenty of room to climb the ladder.

Year by year, his cap hits have steadily crept from $795k in 2022, to $960k in 2023, to just under $1 million in 2024. For 2025, it bumps just slightly higher, but consistently enough to keep him around the league. There’s zero dead cap on his contract for ’24 and ’25, which lets the Eagles manage the roster with some flexibility.

Endorsements? They’re not making Howell rich just yet. Some deals with Ingles Markets, Bojangles, Audible audiobooks, Stanley tumblers, Steve Madden shoes, and Seoul Juice do pad his wallet beyond the NFL salary, but exact figures are private. Industry guesses put those endorsements between $200k and $500k annually – not shabby for a young QB without a breakthrough season under his belt, but nothing blockbuster either.

So, Howell’s net worth in 2025 is mostly built on his football salary with a dash of off-field endorsements. It’s a decent foundation for a player still finding his footing. The Eagles get competent depth, Howell gets a fresh start, and the NFL’s QB carousel spins faster than ever with roster cuts looming.