The Seahawks signed Drew Lock, which means Sam Howell could be on the way out.
It appears as if the intended Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback competition between Drew Lock and Sam Howell as indicated by general manager John Schneider may not, indeed, ever materialize.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson reported on Friday night that the Seahawks are open to trading Howell, one week after bringing back Lock on a two-year deal worth $5 million. Howell is entering the final year of his rookie contract and it doesn’t matter whether the Seahawks trade or cut him since his $1.1 million salary is non-guaranteed.
Seattle acquired Howell from the Washington Commanders last season, giving up third- and fifth-rounders and receiving fourth- and sixth-rounders in draft pick swaps. Brought in to back Geno Smith up after one very pass-heavy season with Washington, Howell was 5-of-14 for 24 yards and an interception in extended action against the Green Bay Packers in place of the injured Smith. Apart from a handoff against the Atlanta Falcons while Smith dealt with an eye poke, that was Howell’s only playing time in Seattle.
With Sam Darnold set to be Seattle’s starter and Lock back in the fold (plus former BYU and Minnesota Vikings QB Jaren Hall), Howell’s future with the team was pretty much on shaky ground the minute Lock returned.
There is zero chance the Seahawks get trade compensation that looks remotely similar to what they gave up to get him, Howell’s age (24) and prior starting experience aside. It’s still very possible that he gets released, but it might be worth a shot to see if any team looking for a potential starter or a quality backup will pick up the phone and make a deal.