The Seattle Seahawks are listening to trade offers for quarterback Sam Howell, as the team assesses its depth at the position following a series of offseason moves.
According to ESPN, interest in Howell has grown after Seattle re-signed Drew Lock last week to potentially back up new starting quarterback Sam Darnold. The Seahawks also have Jaren Hall on the roster, creating a surplus at quarterback and prompting discussions about Howell’s future with the team.
Speaking to Seattle Sports 710-AM, general manager John Schneider confirmed that Howell and Lock are set to compete for the backup role. Seattle typically carried only two quarterbacks under former head coach Pete Carroll, but last season ended with three on the active roster under new head coach Mike Macdonald. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has a history of keeping three quarterbacks as well, during previous stints with the Vikings and Saints.
Seattle acquired Howell last March from the Washington Commanders in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks, receiving Howell along with fourth- and sixth-round picks. At the time, the Seahawks beat out three other teams reportedly in talks with Washington.
The 24-year-old Howell had a mixed 2023 season. He started all 17 games for the Commanders, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and a league-high 21 interceptions. He led the NFL in pass attempts with 612 and completed 63.4% of his passes. The Commanders went 4-13, prompting a reset that saw them draft Jayden Daniels second overall and trade Howell to Seattle.
Howell’s only appearance for the Seahawks last season came in a rough relief outing. After Geno Smith injured his knee during a December loss to the Green Bay Packers, Howell completed just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception.
Schneider acknowledged Howell’s struggles but also highlighted the difficult circumstances. “Sam was put in a very hard spot last year,” he said. “He’s learning a whole new system, gets thrown into a game where we’re behind and throwing every play. It didn’t go well for him. He would admit that.”
Despite the rocky showing, Schneider remains optimistic about Howell’s potential. “We loved the toughness and everything. I think all of us, Sam included, would say last year is just a wash. Let’s get back into a pro-style, proven system—because he can move.”
Mobility is a key reason the Seahawks were initially interested in Howell. Kubiak’s offense is expected to include more quarterback movement and bootlegs, a style that fits Howell’s skill set. Schneider even recalled Howell’s strong rushing performance against Seattle while with Washington in 2022.
Lock’s return on a two-year, $5 million deal—with $2.25 million guaranteed—adds further intrigue to the competition behind Darnold. Still, Schneider said the addition “doesn’t preclude us from doing anything in the draft,” suggesting the team may still look to add another arm.
As it stands, the Seahawks have four quarterbacks they value, but one could be on the move. With teams inquiring about Howell and the NFL Draft approaching, Seattle may look to cash in on their depth.
Photo: Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
