Latest news with #SamHowell
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Max Brosmer Already Turning Heads Inside MN Vikings Organization
There are a ton of intriguing storylines to follow entering Minnesota Vikings training camp later this month, many of which begin and end at the quarterback position. Not only will the Vikings enter camp for the third-straight season with a new QB penciled in under center, but this time it's 2024 No. 10 overall pick, JJ McCarthy. Behind the redshirt rookie, Minnesota has 24 y/o Sam Howell, 29 y/o Brett Rypien and undrafted 2024 Minnesota Gophers one-and-done quarterback, Max Brosmer. For now, the expectation is that Rypien and Howell will compete for the QB2 job this summer, while the former Gopher will ultimately be cut or moved to the practice squad. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images With months remaining between now and the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, a lot can change. But throughout OTAs and minicamp, McCarthy took the majority of reps at QB, while the rest were divvied out to Howell and Rypien. Brosmer, meanwhile, didn't get a ton of opportunities. Advertisement Related Headlines Max Brosmer impressing those inside TCO Performance Center The lack of practice reps early on for Brosmer, however, haven't dampened the staff's outlook on their 24-year-old UDFA signing. In fact, it sounds like Max has found ample opportunity to impress those inside TCO Performance Center. Vikings insider Alec Lewis (The Athletic), for example, came away intrigued by how much Vikings staffers are raving about Brosmer's work ethic, professional approach and just how quickly he's picking up on the intricacies of head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. From the sounds of it, they aren't going to let him leave the building anytime soon. Max Brosmer, QB: Intriguing is the best way to describe his spring. Multiple staffers raved about his ability to pick up small intricacies. His professional approach and ability to process should keep him in the league for a while. Alec Lewis – The Athletic During his only season in Dinkytown, Brosmer finished with the second-highest single-season completion percentage in Gopher football history, at 66.5%. He also tossed for the 3rd-most yards (2,828) and 8th-most touchdowns (18). Had he joined PJ Fleck & Co one year earlier, there's no telling the records he would have set. Did Minnesota Vikings find a QB gem in the rough? Instead, we now get to enjoy him in a purple uniform. Unlike other Gopher QBs who have gotten an opportunity with the Vikings, they really seem to like what they see in Max — who they guaranteed $246,000 as a 2025 undrafted free agent. Advertisement It's no surprise that those inside the Minnesota Vikings organization have been impressed by Max Brosmer this summer. He came onto the U of M campus last summer with that same approach, raising the bar not just for his new Gopher teammates, but everyone inside the football program. Related: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer He's the ultimate leader — which is a prerequisite for playing quarterback at a high level — who sets a different kind of standard for himself and those around him. Now, it's a matter of talent and whether he has enough to make it in the National Football League. I'd argue he is highly underrated in that category too. Advertisement Of course, none of this means we'll see Brosmer active on MN Vikings game days anytime in the immediate future. But make no doubt, KOC & Co appear to get more and more bullish on Max Brosmer every day he spends in Eagan. Related Headlines
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings would probably be among the Super Bowl favorites if they had a surefire QB heading into Week 1, but that isn't the case — at least not yet. Advertisement A steady stream of optimism continues to flow outward from the organization with regards to 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has reportedly asked a good deal of the prospective starter during the preseason, both from physical and mental standpoints of preparation. As the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 on a relatively cheap salary ($22 million over four years) in comparison to the pay scale of veteran starters across the league, McCarthy and the value he represents are key cogs in the Vikings' championship plans. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. Krohn-Imagn Images All that is to say McCarthy probably has at least a couple years of runway to find his footing, develop and make magic in Minnesota. Advertisement However, after he missed the entirety of his rookie campaign with a knee injury, the Vikings must take their backup QB situation seriously. Executing a fifth-round pick swap for fourth-year signal-caller Sam Howell with the Seattle Seahawks wasn't Minnesota being flippant about its quarterback room, but the lack of a viable veteran in the on the roster has raised some questions. Brett Rypien is QB3 and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is QB4, meaning the entire position group in Minnesota has a total of 22 starts under its belt and a record of 7-15. Furthermore, the average age of the QB room will be 24.75 years once Howell celebrates his 25th birthday in mid-September. Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Nicholson-Imagn Images Judd Zulgad of the "SKOR North" podcast said in June that none of this is lost on Vikings leadership. However, Minnesota won't likely take any action until the team gets a better sense of its QB situation during training camp, which begins later this month. Advertisement "I guess the wildcard here is what does Howell show in training camp?" Zulgad said. "Does Howell firmly take hold of the No. 2 position and prove he belongs there? Do the Vikings say, 'You know what? There might be better options?'" Alec Lewis of The Athletic said on Wednesday that arm talent isn't the issue for Howell, but rather his in-play processing skills. "He can make countless throws," Lewis wrote. "Decision-making remains the question." Should that question persist into August, Minnesota could consider trading for Kirk Cousins or pursuing a free-agent option such as Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz. Related: Vikings Get Unfortunate Injury Update on $104 Million Starter This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
45 thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' offensive players ahead of training camp
The countdown to training camp is on for the Minnesota Vikings. Before the action begins, we thought it'd be worthwhile to take stock of the team. To do that, we've compiled one thought on every member of the roster. We'll begin this week with the offense and come back next week with the defense. Note: These thoughts are ordered by player number. Advertisement Jailen Nailor, WR: Facing a contract year, Nailor showed up to organized team activities in the best shape of his life. Clichéd? Of course. True in this case? Absolutely. He will be the team's No. 3 receiver. Jordan Addison, WR: An early-season suspension would hurt. As long as he stays out of trouble this offseason, though, the arrow will be pointing up. Addison creates separation like few receivers in this league. His frame masks his toughness. An exceptional talent. Rondale Moore, WR: If you've never seen him play, go watch some highlights. Get him the ball in space, and the combination of vision and agility is impressive. How will he bounce back from his torn ACL last summer? How quickly can he pick up the offense? Answer these questions positively, and the Vikings will possess an extra weapon. Sam Howell, QB: First, a quick question: How in the world did the 2023 Washington Commanders think it'd be beneficial to have Howell throw 612 passes? Howell led the NFL in attempts that season, which is wild. Anyway, he can make countless throws. Decision-making remains the question. J.J. McCarthy, QB: The Vikings tossed him the keys to the Ferrari. The directive is simple: Take what's there; no need to be a hero. Expecting McCarthy to be perfect would be foolish. Thinking he'll thrive on intermediate routes and anticipatory throws is fair. Most everyone who has spent meaningful time around him raves about him. How he looks will be one of the biggest stories of the NFL season. Brett Rypien, QB: Few inside the building know the Vikings' offensive system as well as Rypien. He's a trusted vet. He orchestrates the scout team for the defense. He's sharp in the quarterback room, one of the valued voices behind the scenes. Max Brosmer, QB: Intriguing is the best way to describe his spring. Multiple staffers raved about his ability to pick up small intricacies. His professional approach and ability to process should keep him in the league for a while. Advertisement Tai Felton, WR: It might take some time. Felton may play offensive snaps if Addison is suspended, but expect his rookie campaign to be spent mostly on special teams. Felton must limit his drop rate and improve as a route runner. Tim Jones, WR: Minnesota targeted him for his special teams prowess after losing Trent Sherfield Sr. to the Denver Broncos. Jones has size and speed. He's one of those guys who will probably flash in training camp a few times. Justin Jefferson, WR: Where to start? Shall we laugh about the teleprompter going out on him at the NFL Honors ceremony? Shall we shake our heads at his Met Gala ensemble? Or shall we talk about the fact that he caught 495 passes and totaled 7,432 yards before turning 26 years old? Take your pick. things @jjettas2 did before turning 26 🎂 👑 Most 100+ yard receiving games before age 26 (34 games)👑 Most receiving yards ever by a player before turning 26👑 Only player in NFL history with 7,000+ yards in first 5 seasons — NFL (@NFL) June 16, 2025 Dontae Fleming, WR: Tough act to follow here, but like Jefferson, Fleming is a Louisiana native. He attended Tulane. The Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent. Training camp will be his opportunity to shine. Jordan Mason, RB: For my money, this is the most underrated Vikings move of the offseason. He benefited from the San Francisco 49ers' run-game infrastructure, but there is something about his vision that seems different. Plus, he's massive. C.J. Ham, FB: It didn't stand out during the season, but the Vikings more than doubled their 21 personnel usage from 2023 to '24. Will the uptick continue with a renewed focus on the run game? Or, will the Vikings lean more into 12 personnel? This is some of the training camp minutiae that'll be fun to follow. Advertisement Myles Price, WR: Don't be surprised if you see him returning kicks and punts during camp or even in preseason games. Price held these roles at Texas Tech and Indiana. Ty Chandler, RB: Few need an inspiring training camp showing more than Chandler. He's shown flashes, but this is the final season of his rookie contract. If he disappoints, Minnesota could move on. Aaron Jones, RB: I'm not sure if Jones gets enough credit for what he accomplished last season. He ran for 1,138 yards behind a subpar interior offensive line. He also caught 51 passes. Mason's addition warrants attention, but sleeping on or wanting to move past Jones is probably unwise. Zavier Scott, RB: He attended high school in Germany. He played in college at Maine. He will compete with Chandler and Tre Stewart for the final roster spots. Tre Stewart, RB: Not many players have gone from Limestone University to the NFL. That's where Stewart began before starring at Jacksonville State last season. He went undrafted but has some juice. Bryson Nesbit, TE: His father, Jamar, became a legend at South Carolina and played 11 seasons in the pros. The younger Nesbit attended North Carolina, went undrafted and will participate in one of the most intriguing competitions of the summer as Minnesota needs a new No. 3 tight end. Ben Yurosek, TE: Vying for a spot with Nesbit will be Yurosek, who had many suitors in undrafted free agency. He started his college career at Stanford, then transferred to Georgia, where his production hovered a tad lower than some expected. Giovanni Ricci, TE: We'll begin with the name. It's elite. It sounds like an appetizer on the Bar La Grassa menu. Ricci has been in the NFL since 2020 and has familiarity with tight ends coach Brian Angelichio. Joe Huber, OL: He's likely a practice-squad candidate, but one to watch. Huber had an exceptional college career at Cincinnati and Wisconsin. Advertisement Logan Brown, T: If we were to rank the undrafted players worth keeping an eye on in training camp, Brown would hover near the top. He was a huge recruit who found his footing last year at Kansas. Right tackle will likely be his primary position. Remember the name. Zeke Correll, OL: He used to eat three or four $1 burgers from Wendy's after school. What more needs to be said? Blake Brandel, G: Don't underestimate the value of an experienced and versatile player like Brandel. Is he perfect? No. But winning teams need players like him. Michael Jurgens, G: Backup center is a sneakily important role. If Ryan Kelly were to go down, would the Vikings turn to Brandel or Jurgens? This is a critical training camp for him. Vershon Lee, G: He tried out in front of Vikings executives and coaches in early June. Minnesota's staff liked the college experience and movement skills enough to give him a training camp opportunity. Justin Skule, T: Another underrated offseason signing. Skule filled in admirably for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. It wouldn't be the worst idea for the Vikings to pick his brain on Tampa's run game, either. Henry Byrd, G: Byrd went to Princeton. He can tap dance, too. The Vikings love having him in the offensive line room. Christian Darrisaw, T: Will he be back in time for Week 1? That's probably a rosy expectation at this point. Still, Darrisaw has attacked his rehab. The Vikings have commended his progress. Leroy Watson IV, T: Watson is with his fifth team in three NFL seasons. The practice squad is his most likely destination. Walter Rouse, T: Rouse is in the same boat as Jurgens. His performance in training camp will go a long way toward establishing his arc. Donovan Jackson, G: Jackson's introduction has been quiet because there were so few meaningful trench reps this spring. He means business, though. Joint practices will provide a great glimpse at what he's capable of. Brian O'Neill, T: O'Neill is one of the core leaders of the team, a key voice for coach Kevin O'Connell. He always offers the offense a stabilizing force on the right side, which helps the staff to game plan. Adding Will Fries next to him should only help further. Will Fries, G: Fries didn't participate in workouts this spring. His fractured right leg has taken time to heal, but O'Connell said earlier this offseason that the team expects him to be back for training camp. The mere sight of him next to O'Neill and Ryan Kelly will cement the interior overhaul. Advertisement Ryan Kelly, C: His role as a sounding board for McCarthy shouldn't fly under the radar. Kelly comes with an abundance of credibility. His signing speaks to O'Connell's intentionality regarding quarterback development. Marcellus Johnson, T: He finished college at Missouri, so he has that going for him. Like Watson and Byrd, he's likely another practice-squad option. Lucky Jackson, WR: In the last few training camps, Trishton Jackson (no relation) shined as a backup receiver. Jackson will probably perform similarly this summer. Jeshaun Jones, WR: He's always making plays in spring practices. Is his frame too slight? Maybe. But it's always felt like there's something here. Silas Bolden, WR: The Vikings aggressively targeted him after the draft. He has the potential to be the team's most dynamic returner in years. Josh Oliver, TE: Why not lean further into 12 personnel in an attempt to be more of a smashmouth team? It's easy to dream on a six-man front with Oliver, Darrisaw, Jackson, Kelly, Fries and O'Neill displacing defenders with ease from the line of scrimmage. Robert Lewis, WR: His brother, Akeem Hunt, played in the NFL. Lewis faces a tall order to make the 53-man. Gavin Bartholomew, TE: He even looks like Johnny Mundt with his long, flowing hair. The Vikings drafted him in the seventh round with a distinct vision, but he'll have to beat out Yurosek and Nesbit for a roster spot. T.J. Hockenson, TE: Two seasons ago, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. It'd be lofty to expect a return to that production, but he'll have a bounce-back year as a safety valve for McCarthy. Thayer Thomas, WR: The former college walk-on earned the respect of coaches a couple of seasons ago. But is there a meaningful role available for him? (Top photo of Justin Jefferson: Matt Krohn / Imagn Images)
New York Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Vikings 53-man roster projection: What OTAs and minicamp told us about 2025 team
Welcome to the quietest time on the NFL calendar. Spring practice is complete, and many of the players have retreated to exotic locations before the ultimate ramp-up of training camp. Because we've hit another checkpoint, we thought it'd be worthwhile to take another look at the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster. What stood out from organized team activities and minicamp? How do the observations shape what the team will look like come Week 1 in Chicago? Included in this projection are a couple of predicted free-agent signees. Here's the position-by-position breakdown: We've got big plans for the break 😎 — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 16, 2025 In: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell Others: Brett Rypien, Max Brosmer The backup quarterback situation is worth monitoring. Minnesota traded for Howell during the draft, and he has important attributes. He applies different trajectories to passes at all three levels. He is mobile. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 2023 with a mediocre surrounding cast. Advertisement Could head coach Kevin O'Connell squeeze a Sam Darnold-lite season out of him if required? It's not outside the realm of possibility. Darnold was a first-round pick for a reason, though. The overall quality of the 2025 roster and McCarthy's recent injury history put greater emphasis on this spot than usual. How Howell looks in training camp will be key. In: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Gus Edwards, C.J. Ham Others: Ty Chandler, Tre Stewart, Zavier Scott Do the Vikings need another running back? No. Minnesota paid Jones and Mason with the expectation that they'll platoon effectively. Behind those two, they still have Chandler in the final season of his rookie contract. Chandler showed flashes in 2023, but the Vikings have not felt comfortable giving him a bigger role. Considering the injury histories of Jones and Mason, as well as the expected reliance on the run game this season, why not add an experienced free agent as insurance? Edwards isn't dynamic, but he is a hammer. Most of his advanced metrics (rushing yards over expected, average yards after contact per carry, etc.) could make him an interesting addition. In: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Tim Jones, Silas Bolden Others: Rondale Moore, Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, Robert Lewis, Myles Price Will Addison miss time due to a suspension? It'll be a critical factor in the early portion of Minnesota's schedule. The Vikings would then rely heavily on Nailor, who added strength this offseason and will be motivated as he enters a contract year. Felton's development warrants further attention during training camp, too. But after those conversations are settled, the intrigue lies at the back of the room. Tim Jones, Bolden and Moore will be the primary competitors for roster spots. Jones impressed this spring, and Bolden's shiftiness is undeniable. Moore didn't partake fully in workouts as he's still recovering from the season-ending knee injury he suffered last August. His experience as a returner, juxtaposed with Bolden's potential, will be a topic of internal conversation. Advertisement In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek Others: Gavin Bartholomew, Bryson Nesbit, Giovanni Ricci Three men enter: Yurosek, Bartholomew and Nesbit. One will emerge with the No. 3 tight end role. The Vikings lost O'Connell's favorite Johnny Mundt to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They drafted Bartholomew as a potential replacement and targeted Yurosek and Nesbit as undrafted free agents. Bartholomew missed some spring practice with an injury, allowing Yurosek and Nesbit to make solid impressions. This is a sneakily important position given the absences of Hockenson and Oliver in recent years, as well as the fact that young quarterbacks like McCarthy tend to value tight ends given their large catch radii. In: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Justin Skule, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse Others: Logan Brown, Marcellus Johnson, Leroy Watson, Joe Huber, Henry Byrd, Zeke Correll, Vershon Lee Any evaluation of the trenches at this point is incomplete. Few spring reps involved full-speed pass rushes. So there's a lot to consider in training camp: How will Fries look health-wise? How quickly can Darrisaw return? And what will the competition for backup roles look like? Jurgens and Rouse will have the leg up as draft picks, while Brown and Huber show potential. Once the players put on the pads in July, these will be the most interesting reps to follow. In: Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez Others: Taki Taimani, Travis Bell, Jonathan Harris, Alexander Williams, Elijah Williams This is one of the most interesting positions on the roster. Why? Because most of these players have wildly different body types, experience levels and skill sets. Allen and Hargrave are more traditional interior defenders for four-man fronts. Phillips is primarily a run-stopper. Redmond, Ingram-Dawkins and Rodriguez have varying degrees of versatility and impact potential. Advertisement Do the Vikings plan to keep all of these players? What does that mean for Taimani, who had participated before an ankle injury ended his season last fall? Like the offensive line, this group will be worth keeping an eye on. In: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty Others: Gabriel Murphy, Chaz Chambliss What is defensive coordinator Brian Flores' plan for Turner? He may not unveil his true vision until the games begin, and understandably so. Still, identifying where Turner is lining up — and how much he's contributing from an off-the-ball starting point — is a major question worth examining in the coming months. In addition, the competition between Richter, Batty, Murphy and Chambliss should be exceptional. First-year outside linebackers coach Thad Bogardus will have his hands full deciding whom to keep in a talented and competitive group. In: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King, Brian Asamoah II Others: Austin Keys, Max Tooley, Dorian Mausi Keeping five off-ball linebackers feels like a lot, but the decisions here are difficult. Cashman, Pace and Wilson are locks. King was a sixth-round pick, and the Vikings gave him plenty of opportunity this spring. Asamoah has carved out a role on special teams and is familiar with Flores' system, but if there's a roster crunch elsewhere, it would be interesting to see how the Vikings handled these five. Special teams may factor prominently in the eventual decision. In: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, Jack Jones Others: Dwight McGlothern, Zemaiah Vaughn, Ambry Thomas, Reddy Steward, Kahlef Hailassie, Keenan Garber Besides quarterback, this is probably the most uncertain position on the roster. Murphy is proven, and the Vikings feel strongly about what Rodgers and Okudah are capable of. Advertisement But the rest of the depth remains a question mark. Blackmon is returning from a torn ACL, but there are reasons to believe he could hold his own if he's asked to play regular snaps. McGlothern and Vaughn are undrafted players who have shown potential, but both need big training camps. Minnesota could still add a cornerback to this group — especially in the event of an injury — and there are plenty of options. Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander are available. Asante Samuel Jr. is another savvy corner who would fit Flores' zone-centric scheme. Another interesting name is Jones, who isn't perfect but could come at a more palatable cost. In: Harrison Smith, Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Tavierre Thomas Others: Bubba Bolden, Mishael Powell The lack of conversation around Jackson's increased role speaks to what he's shown in past years. He has wowed the Vikings in spring and fall practices. He performed in in-game opportunities as well, specifically last season in Seattle. Still, safety is the hub of communication in Flores' check system, so the transition may take some time. Metellus' importance is inarguable, which is why his contract status is relevant. He wants to remain in Minnesota, and the Vikings want to keep him. Whether or not the two sides will agree on terms before training camp remains a question mark. In: Will Reichard, K; Ryan Wright, P; Andrew DePaola, LS Others: Oscar Chapman Wright has the most to prove. Thirty-one NFL punters have booted the ball 100 or more times since the beginning of 2022. None has a lower percentage of punts where the returning team takes over inside the 10-yard line. His accuracy and touch have been issues. This phase may be more significant than in years past, too, because of the adjusted kickoff rules. Maximizing field position may not be a sexy subject, but it's why some teams win on the margins and others don't. (Photo of, left to right, J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer: Matt Krohn / Imagn Images)
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Sam Howell stats, game log, news, injury status
Sam Howell stats, game log, news, injury status We'll see Sam Howell and the Minnesota Vikings for the first time in 2025 on Sept. 8 at 8:15 p.m. ET, facing the Chicago Bears in their season opener. Howell had a stellar stat line last year of 24 passing yards with a 35.7% completion rate (5-of-14), zero touchdowns, one interception, and an average of 24.0 yards per game. Get Vikings tickets on StubHub! Sam Howell injury news Howell does not appear on the injury report this week. Sam Howell stats (2024) Pass completions: 5 5 Pass attempts: 14 14 Completion percentage: 35.7% 35.7% Pass yards: 24 24 Pass TDs: 0 0 INTs: 1 1 Pass yards/attempt: 1.7 1.7 Rush attempts: 1 1 Rush yards: 2 2 Rush TDs: 0 Howell game log (2024) Week 15 vs. Packers: 5-for-14 (35.7%), 24 YDS (1.7 YPA), 0 TD, 1 INT, 1 CAR, 2 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD Next game: Sam Howell vs. the Chicago Bears Howell's Minnesota Vikings (0-0) play in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears (0-0). How to watch Sam Howell and the Vikings Matchup: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Time: 8:15 p.m. ET 8:15 p.m. ET Date: September 8, 2025 September 8, 2025 TV: ABC/ESPN ABC/ESPN Live stream: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply) Watch Vikings vs. Bears on Fubo!
