QB2

[MaroonBells]

I made a prediction a couple months ago that Rypien would make the final roster. Some found it hard to believe the Vikings would keep a 29 year old career backup as QB3 over a developmental youngster like Brosmer. They wouldn't. I think Brosmer's got QB3 sewn up. Rypien isn't in a battle for QB3; he's in a battle for QB2. And I think there's a chance he wins and Howell is out. 

Sounds like I'm no longer the only one who thinks this. The Athletic's Alec Lewis picked Rypien over Howell in his latest roster prediction. Either way, based on nothing but tea leaves and what I know about Howell, I think the competition is closer than people think. I also think there's a chance the Vikings QB2 is not on the roster yet. 

Lewis on Howell: 
The best way to sum up Howell’s performance is a beat too slow. Without the post-practice film, it’s impossible to assess each rep accurately. Is Howell taking a hitch because he’s not seeing the picture correctly, or is he waiting a split second extra because the receiver was rerouted by a cornerback? Whatever the case, it feels fair to say that Howell hasn’t consistently pulled the trigger promptly."

[MAD GAINZ]

I still think Howell has more upside if forced to start than Rypien. I'm guessing his slow start is getting comfortable with the playbook, chemistry with his receivers, etc. Rypien was immersed last year so you'd expect him to be ahead at this point.

We'll see what happens, but we did give up some draft capital for Howell so we clearly liked him. Maybe we found out he's not a fit? Lotta camp to go

[StickierBuns]

That would be sad if that's the case. Rypien shouldn't be anyone's QB2. Brosmer might be too raw right now to trust as QB2, but a year on the practice squad or a year or so at QB3 and he's got more real upside as a real QB2. Rypien is very below average in every physical measurable you could have. I'm quite sure Howell is drinking from the fire hose learning KOC's offense and that is evident in TC.

The item you mention that QB2 might not be on the roster yet is something I said as well some time ago, before Howell was traded to Minnesota. KOC doesn't make many WTF moments for me as a fan, but going into the season with Rypien at QB2 would definitely be one of them. Don't throw dirt on Howell's grave yet: he'll have 3 preseason games to show growth and ability....and the D seems to be several levels ahead of the O, so not sure any QB is rocking it right now.

[NorseFeathers]

Floating through the rumor mill is that the Vikings could be interested in Jameis Winston. He's a throw-it-down-the-field type guy, aka Sam Darnold, and has matured into a good locker room guy.

https://vikingsterritory.com/2025/news/t...r-qb-trade

[MaroonBells]

I still think Howell has more upside if forced to start than Rypien.  I'm guessing his slow start is getting comfortable with the playbook, chemistry with his receivers, etc.  Rypien was immersed last year so you'd expect him to be ahead at this point.

We'll see what happens, but we did give up some draft capital for Howell so we clearly liked him.  Maybe we found out he's not a fit?  Lotta camp to go

All good points, but I don't think the fact that we gave up draft capital for Howell will factor in at all. We sent a high 5th for Howell and got back a low 5th. 

Mostly I just think this is not how KOC envisioned his QB2. I think he really wanted Daniel Jones in that role.

[JR44]

Any backup has their weaknesses, which is why they are a backup. Howell has a strong arm, but has had accuracy issues, which sounds a lot like another guy we had who KOC was able to improve greatly. It's the first week of camp in a new offense. I read a report that said he looked really good Monday so right now it is just individual reporters stating their views from a handful of practice snaps. He is a guy they really liked coming out of college and were very set on trading for him. I fully expect him to be the backup.

[PurplePastor]

Floating through the rumor mill is that the Vikings could be interested in Jameis Winston. He's a throw-it-down-the-field type guy, aka Sam Darnold, and has matured into a good locker room guy.

https://vikingsterritory.com/2025/news/t...r-qb-trade

Interesting. I know he's been an int dominator, but he does sling it. I see similarities to Darnold. How would they get him though? I don't see them trading for him. Would Giants just drop him?

I should have read the article before responding. I see they are suggesting a possible trade for him. He would be a great two with Brosmer as a developmental 3rd. I don't see us trading pick(s) for him unless both Howell and Rypien totally stink (which is possible).

[Canthony]

All good points, but I don't think the fact that we gave up draft capital for Howell will factor in at all. We sent a high 5th for Howell and got back a low 5th. 

Mostly I just think this is not how KOC envisioned his QB2. I think he really wanted Daniel Jones in that role.

I agree that I think he wanted Jones in that role. Sold the idea of learning for a year to be #2, and going on with your career after this year with a new team or us. As we all know, Jones chose the chance to start this year, and he will get that chance. 

Trading for Howell was a no lose situation. We got another 5th, as you said, to replace what we spent. The backup QB position is actually intriguing to me. I have a hard time believing it will be Rypien however. I just can't see it.

[Montana Tom]

Not sure that I agree.
Sam Howell stunk up the place for the Commodes. He was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett for the last two games of the 2023 season (can't beat out Brissett?). He had a middling 62% completion rate his last year in N. Carolina...actually ran for over 800 yards that year. He seems to have the measurables, 6'1", 220 lb thick frame. His NFL numbers are a cause for pause...Best year with the Commodes was 2023 with a completion percentage of 63%. Year before, he was 57%. In 2023 he had 21 TDs of course, matched with 21 picks. In mop up duty last year with the Seahawks, he had a completion percentage of 35%.

Looking at Brett Rypien's college stats vs. Howell's, he's more of a pure passer, setting all kinds of passing records at Boise State. Based on what I am seeing and hearing about camp, I see Rypien having a better shot at QB2 and Brosmer at QB3 or PS, depending on whether they keep two or three active on the roster.

[MaroonBells]

Not sure that I agree.
Sam Howell stunk up the place for the Commodes.  He was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett for the last two games of the 2023 season (can't beat out Brissett?).  He had a middling 62% completion rate his last year in N. Carolina...actually ran for over 800 yards that year.  He seems to have the measurables, 6'1", 220 lb thick frame.  His NFL numbers are a cause for pause...Best year with the Commodes was 2023 with a completion percentage of 63%.  Year before, he was 57%.  In 2023 he had 21 TDs of course, matched with 21 picks.  In mop up duty last year with the Seahawks, he had a completion percentage of 35%. 

Looking at Brett Rypien's college stats vs. Howell's, he's more of a pure passer, setting all kinds of passing records at Boise State.  Based on what I am seeing and hearing about camp, I see Rypien having a better shot at QB2 and Brosmer at QB3 or PS, depending on whether they keep two or three active on the roster.

I think if Rypien does beat out Howell, it will because he has a higher floor. Howell probably has a higher ceiling; he's a bigger guy with a better arm. But I think we've already got our developmental guy in Brosmer. What's more, as you point out, Howell can look very bad at times. And he takes a lot of sacks. I think at QB2 you more want a cerebral guy who knows the offense and can run it without losing the game for you. Mullens and Mannion caught a lot of shit around here, but there were reasons KOC kept bringing them back.