Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) jogs to the locker room following a loss against the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

ESPN: Seahawks 'open to trading' backup quarterback Sam Howell

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Matt Urben | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 10:09 PM ET

It looks like the Seattle Seahwks are looking to offload third-string quarterback Sam Howell before the upcoming NFL draft. According to a report from ESPN, multiple teams have shown interest in Howell and Seattle is open to dealing the former fifth-round pick.

"The Seahawks are open to trading Sam Howell and have received inquiries from teams interested in acquiring their backup quarterback, sources told ESPN," wrote Fowler.

Howell, 24, was acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders last offseason and appeared in two games for the Seahwks in 2024. He had a promising season for the Commanders in 2023, passing for 21 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards.

The former North Carolina standout has passed for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in 20 career games (18 starts) since being drafted by the Commanders in 2022.

The timing of ESPN's report makes a ton of sense. The team just brought back veteran quarterback Drew Lock to back up Sam Darnold, making Howell somewhat expendable. With the 2025 NFL draft less than a week away, trading Howell could be a sign that Seattle intends to take a quarterback.

Since the Seahawks have 10 total picks, including five on the first two days alone, they could draft a developmental prospect to sit and learn. There are some interesting mid-round QB prospects, including Alabama's Jalen Milroe, who the team hosted on a top-30 visit

And don't rule out the Seahawks potentially trading up late into the first round if there's a prospect they really like.