Seattle Seahawks Acquire QB Sam Howell in Blockbuster Trade with Washington Commanders
The Seattle Seahawks made waves in the NFL today with a bold move to secure their quarterback of the future. In a surprising trade, the Seahawks sent their 78th overall pick (3rd round) and 152nd overall pick (5th round) to the Washington Commanders in exchange for quarterback Sam Howell, the Commanders’ 102nd overall pick (5th round), and their 179th overall pick (6th round). This trade not only adds intrigue to the Seahawks’ offseason but also positions the team to inject youth and potential into their quarterback room.
The acquisition of Sam Howell signals a clear intent by Seahawks General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Pete Carroll to secure a young quarterback to groom for the future. Howell, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina, showcased his immense talent and potential during his time with the Commanders.
Despite limited opportunities to start, Howell made an impression with his strong arm, mobility, and ability to extend plays. In his lone start for Washington during his rookie season, Howell threw for 169 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while rushing for 35 yards and another score, leading his team to a victory. Though he spent most of his time behind veteran quarterbacks, Howell’s performance hinted at a bright future.
Seattle, meanwhile, has relied on Geno Smith to lead their offense after the departure of Russell Wilson. While Smith has performed admirably, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, the Seahawks clearly see Howell as a developmental talent who could eventually take the reins.
By acquiring Sam Howell, the Seahawks gain a quarterback with upside and a skill set tailored for todayās NFL. Howell brings a combination of athleticism and toughness that fits well in Seattleās offensive scheme. Known for his deep-ball accuracy and ability to thrive under pressure, Howell has drawn comparisons to players like Baker Mayfield and Dak Prescott for his scrappy, competitive nature.
The additional draft picks at 102 and 179 also give Seattle more flexibility to address other needs on the roster. These picks could be used to add depth at key positions like offensive line, wide receiver, or the defensive front.
For Washington, the trade offers an opportunity to reset their draft strategy. The 78th overall pick provides the Commanders with a valuable third-round selection, where they can address key areas of need, such as offensive line or cornerback. The 152nd pick gives them another chance to bolster their depth in a deep draft class.
Moving Howell also clears the way for the Commanders to fully commit to their quarterback plans, whether thatās with a free-agent veteran, a high-profile rookie, or continued faith in their current roster.
This trade marks a significant moment for both franchises. For Seattle, itās a clear investment in a young quarterback who could develop into a long-term starter under the guidance of Pete Carroll and his staff. The Seahawks now have a potential successor to Geno Smith while maintaining draft capital to build around their roster.
For Washington, the move allows them to capitalize on Howellās potential value while gaining valuable draft assets. It also signals confidence in their ability to secure quarterback stability through other means.
The trade has already sparked a flurry of reactions across the NFL. Analysts are praising Seattle for taking a calculated risk on Howell, whose talent was widely regarded as undervalued in the 2022 draft. Meanwhile, some are questioning Washingtonās decision to move on from a promising young quarterback, though the return of premium draft capital offers a compelling counterpoint.
Sam Howell, now headed to Seattle, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. āIām grateful to the Washington Commanders for giving me my start, but Iām thrilled to join the Seahawks,ā Howell said in a statement. āI canāt wait to learn from Geno [Smith] and compete every day to help this team.
The Seahawksā trade for Sam Howell is a move that will likely define their offseason and potentially their future. With Howell now in the fold, Seattle has a young quarterback to groom, additional picks to build their roster, and a renewed sense of intrigue for the 2024 season and beyond.
Whether Howell becomes the franchise cornerstone or simply a key part of their quarterback depth, the Seahawks have made it clear they are planning for both the present and the future. This bold move has the potential to set the tone for a new chapter in Seattle football, and fans canāt wait to see how it unfolds.