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Seahawks 'Open' To Quarterback Trade Ahead Of NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 11:40 AM ET

The Seattle Seahawks have made several moves at the quarterback position this offseason. They traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, and signed Sam Darnold to replace him. The Seahawks also brought back Drew Lock to back up Darnold, and they may not be done with changes to the quarterback room.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Seahawks are open to trading Sam Howell. They've also received calls from teams around the league, asking about his availability in a trade.

During an interview with Seattle Sports 710-AM, Seahawks GM John Schneider said that Howell and Lock would compete for the backup quarterback spot, but he acknowledged the struggles the former North Carolina quarterback faced.

"Sam was put in a very hard spot last year," Schneider said.

"He comes in, he's learning a new system. The year before, I think he led the league in attempts, and they didn't run the ball at all. We loved the toughness and everything.

He comes in, learns a whole new system that was heavy, heavy dropback and gets thrown into a game where we're behind, we're throwing the ball every play, backed up. It didn't go well for him."

Howell arrived in Seattle last year after being traded by the Washington Commanders, where he started for all 17 games of the 2023 season. The Commanders moved on from Howell after drafting Jayden Daniels, and sent him to Seattle in exchange for third and fifth-round draft picks.

ASHBURN, VA - AUGUST 10: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass during training camp at INOVA Sports Performance Center on August 10, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

"I think all of us, Sam included, would say, OK, last year is just a wash, man. Let's put that aside," Schneider said.

"Let's get back in a pro-style system, a proven system because he can move. As you guys well know, against us he had a really nice game running the ball as well two years ago."

Howell threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to the Seahawks during the 2023 season, one of his best games as a professional. We'll see what the future holds for Howell in 2025, but it sounds like it will be in a destination outside of Seattle.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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