Howell's turn in No. 8 will be his first at the NFL level, as the former North Carolina standout wore No. 14 with the Washington Commanders to open his career, then No. 6 with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. He was acquired by the Vikings as part of a swap of fifth-round picks during the second day of this year's draft.

Sam Howell has a new number. And it's Kirk Cousins's old number. The new Vikings backup wore No. 7 at North Carolina. No. 14 with the Commanders, and No. 6 in Seattle. Those three numbers were taken in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Vikings added a backup quarterback during the NFL draft, trading the No. 142 selection to the Seattle Seahawks for Sam Howell and the No. 172 pick (which they later traded to the Los Angeles Rams).