Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Sam Howell seemed to have played well enough in his debut with the team to earn the job behind J.J. McCarthy.
In the Vikings' preseason win against the Houston Texans, Howell completed 11 of his 13 passes for 105 yards while adding two rushing yards and a touchdown. The only blemish to the game was his one fumble, but he was able to recover the ball.
That's the type of performance that should instill confidence in the whole franchise, knowing that if anything were to happen to McCarthy, Howell would be able to step in and run the offense well. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and company might have different ideas after the latest report.
Could the Minnesota Vikings still be in the market for another quarterback?
The Minnesota Star Tribune Vikings reporter Ben Goessling wrote in his recent article that there is still a chance that the team could bring in another quarterback in the upcoming weeks.
"I could see them making a deal in the next few weeks. Howell is a FA after this season, so it's not as though he presents a long-term solution behind McCarthy without a new contract. Definitely worth keeping an eye on this one."
The first name that comes to mind for everyone as a backup quarterback is Kirk Cousins, who is currently behind Michael Penix Jr. with the Atlanta Falcons and has little chance of starting, except in the event of an injury. Would Cousins be okay with being the long-term backup for the Vikings? Very unlikely.
If Minnesota isn't sold on Howell coming back next year and wants a long-term backup, the Vikings would most likely need to turn to free agency. Could Carson Wentz finally get the call to be a backup? That is the other most popular name brought up outside of Cousins.
The only other option for the Vikings is to wait out the season and pursue three different paths: re-signing Howell, signing another quarterback in free agency, or drafting another quarterback. It makes more sense to find a veteran quarterback in free agency who can mentor McCarthy and help develop him.
Looks like Minnesota Vikings fans are back on watch to see what the team is going to do with the backup quarterback job before the regular season begins.