Sam Howell’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster ride. The young quarterback bounced from Washington to Seattle to Minnesota. Now he’s fighting for playing time behind J.J. McCarthy with the Vikings. Here’s everything about his net worth, contract situation, and personal life.
What’s Sam Howell Worth in 2025?
Sam Howell’s estimated net worth sits at $2-3 million as of August 2025. His wealth comes primarily from NFL contracts and endorsement deals.
Financial Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $2-3 million |
| 2025 Salary | $1.1 million |
| Career NFL Earnings | $2.9 million |
| Contract Status | Final year of rookie deal |
| Free Agency | UFA in 2026 |
Most of his money comes from his four-year rookie contract worth $4.02 million. He’s earned about $2.9 million so far.
Current Contract Situation
Howell is in the final year of his rookie deal with Minnesota. His 2025 salary is $1.1 million with no guaranteed money left.
He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. This makes 2025 a crucial year for his NFL future.
Trade History: From Washington to Vikings
Howell has been traded twice in two years. His NFL journey shows how quickly things change for young quarterbacks.
2022-2023: Washington Commanders
- Drafted in 5th round, 144th overall
- Started 17 games in 2023 season
- Threw for 3,946 yards with 21 TDs and 21 INTs
2024: Seattle Seahawks
- Traded from Washington in March 2024
- Served as backup to Geno Smith
- Limited playing time with poor stats
2025: Minnesota Vikings
- Traded from Seattle in April 2025
- Vikings sent 142nd pick to Seattle
- Now backing up rookie J.J. McCarthy
Sam Howell’s Career Stats & Performance
Howell’s NFL numbers tell a mixed story. His 2023 season with Washington showed both promise and problems.
Career Statistics:
- Games played: 21
- Passing yards: 4,139
- Touchdowns: 22
- Interceptions: 23
- Passer rating: 77.5
His biggest issue? Turnovers. Howell led the NFL with 21 interceptions in 2023.
Personal Life: Meet Girlfriend Chloe Barbu
Sam Howell isn’t married but has been dating Chloe Barbu since college. She’s been his biggest supporter throughout his NFL journey.
About Chloe Barbu:
- Age: 24 years old
- Born: March 7, 2001, in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Education: University of North Carolina (Business degree)
- Career: Interior designer and YouTube content creator
- Social media: Over 17,000 YouTube subscribers
Chloe runs an interior design business called “Casa by Chloe.” She also creates lifestyle content on social media.
The couple met at the University of North Carolina. They went public with their relationship after the 2022 NFL Draft.
No Yankees Connection Despite Name Confusion
Despite some searches, Sam Howell has no connection to the New York Yankees. He’s purely a football player who grew up in North Carolina.
The confusion might come from his name being similar to other athletes. But Sam’s focus has always been football.
Current Health Status & Injury Updates
Good news for Vikings fans – Sam Howell is completely healthy entering 2025. He has no injury concerns on the team’s report.
Howell stayed healthy throughout training camp. This puts him in good position to compete for the backup job behind McCarthy.
Vikings Training Camp Battle
Howell faces competition from Brett Rypien for the backup quarterback role. Reports suggest the Vikings might still look for another veteran option.
Current Vikings QB Room:
- J.J. McCarthy (rookie starter)
- Sam Howell (veteran backup)
- Brett Rypien (third-string)
Training camp reports show mixed results for Howell. Some practices went well, others struggled with accuracy.
Endorsement Deals & Income Sources
Howell has secured several endorsement deals despite his limited success:
- Ingles Markets
- Bojangles restaurant chain
- Audible audiobooks
- Stanley tumblers
- Steve Madden shoes
- Seoul Juice drinks
The exact value of these deals remains private. They likely add $200,000-500,000 to his annual income.
College Success at North Carolina
Howell was a star at UNC before the NFL. His college numbers were impressive and made him a draft prospect.
UNC Career Records:
- Passing yards: 10,283 (school record)
- Touchdown passes: 92 (school record)
- Single-season TDs: 38 (freshman record)
- Three-year starter
He won ACC Rookie of the Year in 2019. Many expected him to be drafted higher than the fifth round.
What Went Wrong in the NFL?
Howell’s NFL career hasn’t matched his college success. Several factors explain his struggles:
Decision-making issues: Too many risky throws leading to interceptions
Pressure handling: Takes too many sacks when rushed
Consistency problems: Great games followed by terrible ones
System changes: Has played in three different offenses in four years
Future Outlook & Contract Projections
Howell’s future depends on his 2025 performance. He needs to prove he belongs in the NFL as his rookie deal expires.
Potential scenarios:
- Backup role with Vikings extension
- Competition elsewhere as free agent
- Practice squad or out of NFL
His age (24) works in his favor. Many quarterbacks take time to develop in the NFL.
Key Takeaways About Sam Howell
- Net worth of $2-3 million from NFL contracts
- Dating interior designer Chloe Barbu since college
- Traded twice in two years, now with Vikings
- Struggles with turnovers despite strong arm talent
- Final year of rookie deal in 2025
Sam Howell represents the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. Talented college quarterbacks don’t always translate to pro success.
His story continues with the Vikings. This season could determine whether he stays in the NFL long-term.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sam Howell married?
A: No, but he’s been dating Chloe Barbu since college.
Q: What’s Sam Howell’s biggest weakness?
A: Throwing too many interceptions – he led the NFL with 21 in 2023.
Q: Will Sam Howell start for the Vikings?
A: Unlikely, he’s competing for the backup job behind J.J. McCarthy.
Q: When does his contract expire?
A: After the 2025 season, making him a free agent in 2026.
Disclaimer: All financial figures are estimates based on public contract information and industry reporting. Net worth calculations may not include all assets or investments.