In all fairness, the Minnesota Vikings were blindsided by their quarterback room when free agency opened.
There were no surprises with Sam Darnold leaving. But for both Nick Mullens and Daniel Jones to also pursue greener pastures wasn't anticipated, leaving J.J. McCarthy without a capable veteran backup.
However, instead of remedying the situation by signing one in free agency, the Vikings watched the talent pool go tapped while flirting with Aaron Rodgers for several weeks.
The Vikings had a larger reason for waiting. They did not want to tip the compensatory pick formula out of their favor by signing an additional qualifying free agent.
They ultimately landed former Washington Commanders fifth-round pick Sam Howell in a fifth-round pick swap with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, there are some concerns about the situation behind McCarthy.
J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) at Vikings training camp
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
According to KSTP's Darren Wolfson, Howell's role as the QB2 is far from secure, with last year's practice-squad quarterback, Brett Rypien, pushing Howell for his spot.
"I'm telling you, that's a legit battle. Brett Rypien vs. Sam Howell," Wolfson said on a May 27 appearance on SKOR North. "To think it's 100 percent foregone conclusion that Sam Howell is the next man up? No. Hold your horses. That's a legit battle, July into August, Howell versus Rypien."
Howell being pushed by Rypien is a concern. Rypien has just four starts under his belt and is 2-2. As a starter, Rypien has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions while his offenses have averaged 18.3 points per game.
That is not going to get it done if the Vikings need to look beyond McCarthy during the 2025 season.
Howell is a more physically gifted prospect and is just 25 years old. However, he proved reckless with the ball in his one year as a starter with the Commanders, leading the NFL with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks.
While there are grounds for Howell to hit the same career revival that Darnold underwent, his more realistic comparison is closer to Mullens than Darnold.
Neither are intriguing options, and it's concerning that Howell is not considered a bona fide QB2 for a team that is ready to win now.
Marcus Mariota, Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett and Jameis Winston were all affordable and capable options who could start in a pinch or potentially take over late in the season and lead a Nick Foles-like Super Bowl run.
However, the upcoming season is looking more like McCarthy or bust -- even more pressure on the 22-year-old.