BREAKING: 🔥 QB Controversy Brewing in Minnesota? Vikings Rumored to Flip Sam Howell for $34M Veteran to Compete with JJ McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings don’t necessarily need to add another quarterback right now, but upgrading the depth behind presumed starter J.J. McCarthy could be a smart move.

ESPN analysts Ben Solak and Seth Walder recently proposed trades in which the Vikings send either backup QB Sam Howell or a conditional Day 3 pick, along with cash, to the Atlanta Falcons in a potential reunion with Kirk Cousins.

However, a more strategic approach might involve combining those proposed assets and targeting a younger quarterback—someone who could push McCarthy as he develops under head coach Kevin O’Connell. One intriguing idea: trade Howell and a mid-to-late-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Anthony Richardson, assuming he loses the starting role to Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year deal with Indy for the 2025 season.

Richardson, a former top-five pick, struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his rookie year, appearing in just four games. He was even benched midseason for veteran Joe Flacco. With the passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay and potential changes in the front office or coaching staff looming, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis could be uncertain—especially if Jones wins the job outright.

Adding to the speculation is a brief but telling interaction between O’Connell and Richardson after a 2024 game. Despite Richardson not playing, O’Connell encouraged him at midfield, saying, “You’re a bad dude, and you’re going to play a long time in this league… I still believe in you.”

McCarthy isn’t guaranteed the starting role for 2025, especially after missing his entire rookie year due to a knee injury. Bringing in Richardson—who’s still on a rookie deal with a fifth-year option in 2027—could give Minnesota another young, high-upside option at quarterback in the years ahead.