Eagles Cut Former Vikings 1st Rd Pick to Make Room for Sam Howell

It became painfully obvious as the preseason went on that Sam Howell was not going to be the Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback. Despite having previously operated in a starting capacity, he looked awful.

On the flip side, former Minnesota Gophers starter Max Brosmer has the NFL world buzzing due to his performance in the same time span. It was always going to be a leap for him to be the backup out of the gate. He’s definitely earned a roster spot.

When Minnesota shipped Howell out, there was just a little extra hilarity on the back-end of the transaction.

Lewis Cine loses roster spot for former Minnesota Vikings QB

On Saturday Kevin O’Connell had veteran quarterback Carson Wentz in for a workout. Things obviously went well and the Minnesota Vikings signed him to the active roster. The Philadelphia Eagles jumped at a chance to grab Howell, and it cost former Vikings first round pick Lewis Cine a job.

We have agreed to acquire QB Sam Howell and a 2026 6th-round pick from the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 5th-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick. We have waived/injured DB Lewis Cine. pic.twitter.com/EXb7p6tCyq

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 24, 2025

Howell was originally acquired during the NFL Draft in a trade with Seattle. The got him for nothing more than a late-round pick swap. Now they have pieced him out for better draft compensation than he cost them, and Howell isn’t their problem.

Cine was drafted 32nd overall by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings famously, and terribly, traded back rather than drafting multi-time All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. Cine played just 10 total games for Minnesota, and his career was altered by a gruesome injury suffered in London against the New Orleans Saints.

Even had the Vikings not traded back, the pick was always a weird one. The Georgia safety was seen as more of a hitter and less of a capable defender in the secondary. With Buffalo last year, and the Philadelphia in the postseason, he never started a game and has a single tackle to his credit.

The #Eagles have waived/injured DB Lewis Cine

He was reportedly on crutches after Friday’s game

pic.twitter.com/AwLsOxYWSJ

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) August 24, 2025

Cine did pick off a pass in the Eagles preseason finale, but apparently suffered an injury at some point as well.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trade One QB, Sign Another

At 25 years old, things are getting late early for Cine. He hasn’t developed into any more of a capable talent as his career has gone on. Now he’s cut again for a retread backup, and Cine remains a consistent injury concern.