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.

It would've been a long shot anyways but the Minnesota Vikings' newest QB addition, Sam Howell, put an end to any Kirk Cousins return rumors by taking the No. 8.