The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines by trading for quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings in a late preseason move designed to secure depth behind franchise star Jalen Hurts. The deal saw the Eagles send a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Minnesota in exchange for Howell and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Howell’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Philadelphia.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is sidelined with a finger injury, leaving the Eagles exposed at one of the most important positions on the roster. With Howell’s starting experience from his time in Washington and Minnesota, the team hopes he can provide stability as a reliable second option. Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized that protecting Hurts is the priority, but added that Howell’s versatility and mobility fit the team’s offensive scheme.
For the Vikings, the move opens a spot behind rookie starter J.J. McCarthy, who will now be supported by veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. Minnesota’s front office views Wentz as a more experienced backup while also securing valuable draft flexibility with the extra picks. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have become the center of another storyline.
After a disappointing preseason defeat against the Dallas Cowboys, the team released 12 players in one of the most dramatic roster cuts of the summer. While trimming the roster is expected this time of year, what surprised many fans and analysts was the growing uncertainty around star quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins signed a massive four-year, $180 million deal earlier this year, but reports now suggest that Atlanta could be rethinking their long-term commitment.
With rookie Michael Penix Jr. showing flashes of potential, the Falcons face a critical decision: build around their veteran quarterback or accelerate the development of their younger option. Team executives have yet to clarify Cousins’ future, leaving speculation wide open ahead of Week 1. Across the league, all 32 teams are bracing for the 53-man roster deadline.
This period is often chaotic, with surprise trades, last-minute signings, and difficult cuts shaping final rosters. Analysts expect even more moves in the coming days as franchises attempt to balance financial flexibility with competitive depth before the regular season kicks off. In short, the Eagles have found their insurance policy at quarterback, while the Falcons face bigger questions about the future of their $180 million man. Both moves highlight how fragile and fast-changing the NFL can be just days before the season begins.
