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The Seattle Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders early in the 2025 offseason. They may trade another one of their signal-callers from 2024 as they continue to remake their quarterback room.
The Seahawks are "open to trading" backup quarterback Sam Howell and have "received inquiries" about his services, per ESPN's Brady Henderson.
Seattle acquired Howell, 24, in a 2024 offseason trade with the Washington Commanders. The Seahawks sent a 2024 third-round pick (78th overall) and a fifth-round pick (152nd overall) to the Commanders for Howell, a fourth-round pick (102nd overall) and a sixth-round pick (179th overall) with the goal of developing the third-year quarterback behind Smith.
Howell played just 25 snaps in his first season with the Seahawks and didn't make any starts. He struggled in his limited action, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while being sacked four times.
Howell spent most of the 2025 offseason entrenched as Seattle's backup behind Smith and then free-agent signee Sam Darnold. However, the Seahawks signed veteran backup Drew Lock – who spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons in Seattle – to a two-year, $5 million deal in free agency.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a recent radio interview he expects Howell and Lock to battle for the backup job. He also expressed confidence in Jaren Hall, who is presently the team's fourth-string quarterback and was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
"I think it’s a great situation," Schneider said. "We have four guys that we really like."
Seattle carried three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster at the end of Mike Macdonald's first season, so one of the team's signal-callers eventually figures to be the odd man out. As such, it could make sense for the Seahawks to trade Howell should interest emerge during a 2025 NFL draft class considered to be weak at quarterback.
2025 NFL DRAFT SLEEPERS: Which players could be gems after early rounds?
Where could Howell end up if he's traded? His youth and mobility make him an ideal developmental backup in the right situation. Below are some of his best potential fits.
The Vikings presently have just two quarterbacks on their roster, J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick, is entrenched as the team's starter, but Howell would provide experience and athletic upside at the backup position. He would benefit significantly from working with Kevin O'Connell, who helped Darnold enjoy a career-best season in 2024.
Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that may impact his availability for the 2025 season. The Saints have been tied to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart in the NFL draft as a result of the injury. However, if New Orleans opts for a cheaper route at quarterback, it could trade for Howell and have him compete with Spencer Rattler to start in place of Carr.
The Dolphins signed Zach Wilson to back up Tua Tagovailoa. They are presently the only quarterbacks on Miami's roster. As such, the Dolphins are expected to add a passer during the 2025 NFL draft. They could certainly trade one of their picks for Howell if they aren't in love with the draft's mid-round quarterback prospects.
The Browns are in a bind at quarterback thanks to Deshaun Watson's albatross contract and his two Achilles tears. Cleveland already traded for Kenny Pickett and signed Joe Flacco during the 2025 offseason. Still, if the Browns don't land a quarterback they like early during the draft, trading for Howell would add another experienced option with upside to compete for the starting job.
Would the Seahawks trade Howell within the division? Probably not, but the Rams could use a young quarterback to develop behind the 37-year-old Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay could help unlock Howell's potential.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Howell trade rumors: Seahawks 'open' to moving backup QB
Continue reading...
The Seahawks are "open to trading" backup quarterback Sam Howell and have "received inquiries" about his services, per ESPN's Brady Henderson.
Seattle acquired Howell, 24, in a 2024 offseason trade with the Washington Commanders. The Seahawks sent a 2024 third-round pick (78th overall) and a fifth-round pick (152nd overall) to the Commanders for Howell, a fourth-round pick (102nd overall) and a sixth-round pick (179th overall) with the goal of developing the third-year quarterback behind Smith.
Howell played just 25 snaps in his first season with the Seahawks and didn't make any starts. He struggled in his limited action, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while being sacked four times.
Howell spent most of the 2025 offseason entrenched as Seattle's backup behind Smith and then free-agent signee Sam Darnold. However, the Seahawks signed veteran backup Drew Lock – who spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons in Seattle – to a two-year, $5 million deal in free agency.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a recent radio interview he expects Howell and Lock to battle for the backup job. He also expressed confidence in Jaren Hall, who is presently the team's fourth-string quarterback and was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
"I think it’s a great situation," Schneider said. "We have four guys that we really like."
Seattle carried three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster at the end of Mike Macdonald's first season, so one of the team's signal-callers eventually figures to be the odd man out. As such, it could make sense for the Seahawks to trade Howell should interest emerge during a 2025 NFL draft class considered to be weak at quarterback.
2025 NFL DRAFT SLEEPERS: Which players could be gems after early rounds?
Sam Howell landing spots
Where could Howell end up if he's traded? His youth and mobility make him an ideal developmental backup in the right situation. Below are some of his best potential fits.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings presently have just two quarterbacks on their roster, J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick, is entrenched as the team's starter, but Howell would provide experience and athletic upside at the backup position. He would benefit significantly from working with Kevin O'Connell, who helped Darnold enjoy a career-best season in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that may impact his availability for the 2025 season. The Saints have been tied to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart in the NFL draft as a result of the injury. However, if New Orleans opts for a cheaper route at quarterback, it could trade for Howell and have him compete with Spencer Rattler to start in place of Carr.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins signed Zach Wilson to back up Tua Tagovailoa. They are presently the only quarterbacks on Miami's roster. As such, the Dolphins are expected to add a passer during the 2025 NFL draft. They could certainly trade one of their picks for Howell if they aren't in love with the draft's mid-round quarterback prospects.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a bind at quarterback thanks to Deshaun Watson's albatross contract and his two Achilles tears. Cleveland already traded for Kenny Pickett and signed Joe Flacco during the 2025 offseason. Still, if the Browns don't land a quarterback they like early during the draft, trading for Howell would add another experienced option with upside to compete for the starting job.
Los Angeles Rams
Would the Seahawks trade Howell within the division? Probably not, but the Rams could use a young quarterback to develop behind the 37-year-old Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay could help unlock Howell's potential.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Howell trade rumors: Seahawks 'open' to moving backup QB
Continue reading...
