Seahawks Open to Trading Backup Quarterback Sam Howell

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks have opened trade discussions for backup quarterback Sam Howell, according to sources with ESPN. This decision comes after the recent signing of Drew Lock, who will compete against Howell for the backup role behind new starter Sam Darnold.

General manager John Schneider confirmed on Seattle Sports 710-AM that the team is preparing for a quarterback competition between Howell and Lock. The Seahawks have rarely carried more than two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster during the season but have recently been evaluating their depth at the position. They now find themselves with four quarterbacks after Howell was acquired from the Washington Commanders last March.

Last season, Howell started all 17 games for Washington, but his performance was inconsistent. He threw for 21 touchdowns while also leading the league with 21 interceptions, contributing to the Commanders’ disappointing 4-13 finish. His struggles were evident during a December game when he went 5 of 14 for just 24 yards and one interception in relief of injured starter Geno Smith.

“Sam was put in a very hard spot last year,” Schneider said. “He came in, he’s learning a new system. We loved the toughness and everything, but it didn’t go well for him.”

Howell’s record may not reflect his potential, as Schneider suggested there is a bright side. “With the new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, we believe the system will benefit Sam, who has the mobility we need,” he said.

In 2024, the Seahawks traded a third- and fifth-round pick to Washington for Howell, while the Commanders received fourth and sixth-round picks in return. This trade was made as Washington drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall, a move that likely influenced Howell’s departure.

Lock’s recent signing, which encompasses a two-year, $5 million contract with $2.25 million guaranteed, further complicated Howell’s position. ”The addition of Lock doesn’t preclude us from taking another quarterback in the draft,” Schneider explained. “We’re eager to see how all four quarterbacks develop.”

Despite Howell’s rocky past season, his age (24) and potential may attract interest from other teams. Reports indicate that multiple teams have already expressed interest in acquiring him, which Seattle hopes to capitalize on ahead of the NFL draft, where they currently have 10 picks.

Although Howell faced challenges with the Commanders, his early career has connections to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously showed significant interest in him during the 2022 draft process. Their scouting team met with Howell several times and considered him as a potential pick. Ultimately, they selected Kenny Pickett instead.

With Seattle’s quarterback shuffle creating a logjam, Schneider emphasized that this competition could lead to a fresh chapter for Howell, highlighting the team’s commitment to ensuring a robust quarterback depth chart.