When the Philadelphia Eagles take the field at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2025, for their Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants, Sam Howell will be on the sideline — not as a hopeful backup, but as the league’s most invisible quarterback: the emergency third option. He’s not inactive because he’s injured. He’s inactive because NFL rules say he can’t play unless both Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee are knocked out. And even then, he’d need to be activated on the spot — a scenario so unlikely, it’s almost a formality.
Howell’s Role: A Rule-Bound Ghost
The NFL’s emergency quarterback rule, adopted in 2021 after a series of chaotic injury scenarios, allows teams to designate one player — usually a non-quarterback or a third-string QB — as a last-resort option. But the Eagles took it a step further: they picked Howell, a former starter with 17 NFL games under his belt, to fill the role. Why? Because they trust him. And because they know what happens if Hurts goes down.
Howell hasn’t thrown a single pass in a regular-season game since joining Philadelphia on August 24, 2025, after being traded from the Minnesota Vikings. He was supposed to be the backup to J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota — until Carson Wentz signed, pushing Howell down the depth chart. The Eagles, who had already drafted McKee and were banking on his recovery from a broken thumb, saw an opportunity. They traded for him not to play, but to prepare.
"I remember just feeling like I played pretty well," Howell said during an August 27, 2025 press conference. "Wish we could’ve came out the win in both of those. We lost both close games... I know what this organization means to the people in Philadelphia." He was talking about his two 2023 starts against the Eagles while with the Washington Commanders, both narrow losses despite strong individual performances.
A Career on the Edge
Howell’s NFL journey has been a series of near-misses. Drafted 144th overall by Washington in 2022, he signed a four-year, $4.02 million deal — a typical fifth-round contract. In 2023, he started every game, throwing 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t terrible. He was the kind of QB you keep around because he’s tough, competitive, and knows how to win ugly.
Then came the trade to Seattle in March 2024. He backed up Geno Smith. Then, in the 2025 offseason, the Seahawks signed Sam Darnold and drafted Jalen Milroe. Howell was out again. The Vikings picked him up in April 2025, only to sign Wentz weeks later. By August, he was in Philadelphia — a veteran with zero snaps, a roster spot with no future, and a contract that still has $1.87 million left on it for 2025.
"He’s the guy you want in the locker room when things go sideways," said an Eagles assistant coach, speaking off the record. "He’s not going to panic. He’s been through this before. He knows how to move the chains. He just needs a chance. And right now, the chance is a prayer."
Why This Matters
It’s easy to laugh at Howell’s role. He’s the NFL’s version of a batboy who can throw a fastball. But here’s the thing: injuries don’t care about depth charts. In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers lost both Trey Lance and Brock Purdy in the same game. They had to start their third-string QB — a practice squad player with zero NFL experience. The team lost 38-10. That’s why teams now invest in emergency QBs who’ve actually played.
Howell’s presence gives the Eagles a fighting chance if disaster strikes. He’s not just a warm body. He’s a guy who’s started 17 games. He’s thrown 400+ passes in the NFL. He knows how to read defenses. He’s not going to fumble the snap in a critical moment — not because he’s perfect, but because he’s been there before.
And yet, his fantasy football ADP sits at #339.26. That’s lower than most kickers. He’s not just behind Hurts and McKee — he’s behind the Eagles’ third-string running back, their backup tight end, and even their punt returner in most leagues. That’s the cruel math of the NFL: talent doesn’t always equal opportunity.
What’s Next?
Next up: the Eagles vs. PackersLincoln Financial Field on November 10. Howell will be there again — same role, same sideline, same silent preparation. He’ll suit up. He’ll warm up. He’ll watch Hurts lead the offense. And if something goes wrong? He’ll be the one they call.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not what he dreamed of when he was drafted. But in the NFL, sometimes the most valuable players are the ones nobody sees — until they’re the only ones left standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sam Howell actually play in a game this season?
Yes — but only if both Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee are simultaneously unable to continue due to injury, illness, or ejection. NFL rules require the emergency QB to be activated immediately before the next snap, and only one emergency QB per team is allowed. Howell has been the designated option since Week 3, and his experience makes him the most viable candidate if called upon.
Why didn’t the Eagles keep Howell as the primary backup?
Tanner McKee, the 24-year-old Stanford product, was recovering from a broken thumb suffered in training camp. Once medically cleared in Week 3, the Eagles moved him into the No. 2 role, citing his familiarity with the system and higher ceiling. Howell, despite his experience, was viewed as a better emergency option than a long-term backup due to his lower upside and the team’s belief in McKee’s potential.
What’s Howell’s contract status?
Howell signed a four-year, $4.02 million deal with Washington in May 2022. His 2025 salary is approximately $1.87 million, prorated based on standard NFL contract structures for late-round picks. He’s under contract through the 2025 season, but his future beyond that is uncertain — unless he gets meaningful playing time, he’s unlikely to command a larger role elsewhere.
Has Howell ever started a game for the Eagles?
No. Howell has yet to appear in a single regular-season snap for Philadelphia. He was initially projected as the backup for Week 1, but McKee’s recovery shifted the depth chart. Since then, he’s been exclusively listed as the emergency third QB in Weeks 6, 7, and 8, with no game action to his name since joining the team.
Why did the Vikings trade him to the Eagles?
The Vikings signed Carson Wentz in late August 2025 to serve as J.J. McCarthy’s backup, immediately making Howell expendable. With no clear path to playing time and a roster spot needed for younger prospects, Minnesota traded Howell to Philadelphia for an undisclosed draft pick. The Eagles, already thin on veteran QB depth, saw value in his experience — even if only as insurance.
Could Howell become the starter if Hurts gets injured long-term?
Technically yes, but it’s unlikely. If Hurts were to miss extended time, the Eagles would likely pursue a veteran QB via trade or free agency — someone with more recent starting experience than Howell. While Howell has the skills, his 2023 season (21 TDs, 21 INTs) and lack of recent reps make him a risky long-term option. He’s seen as a bridge, not a solution.