Sam Howell was good for something; Vikings use 2026 draft pick

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Howell (8) passes against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at U. S. Bank Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images After years with questions about draft capital heading into draft week, the Minnesota Vikings had nine picks heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, putting themselves in a great position to bolster the roster this weekend. A part of the additional capital came with the Sam Howell trade last year, which came just four months after Minnesota acquired the quarterback. After moving back 30 spots to acquire Howell in the 2025 NFL Draft, they sent him out to Philadelphia to acquire additional draft capital in the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

That led to them signing Carson Wentz to fill the void at backup quarterback. Now, while Minnesota’s season didn’t go as expected, that trade got them some extra capital, which they can use at their disposal this weekend. With the 2026 NFL Draft upon us, let’s revisit the Howell trade and see how it fared for both sides.

Original terms of the 2025 Sam howell trade between Eagles and Vikings Philadelphia Eagles receive: QB Sam Howell, 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 211) Minnesota Vikings receive: 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 163), 2027 seventh-round pick Who did the Vikings take with the picks from the Sam Howell trade?