There’s a quiet kind of tension that sets in around draft week. Not the loud, fanfare kind. The kind that lingers in team offices, where whiteboards are full but decisions feel half-made. It’s the waiting game—phone calls coming in, trade scenarios scribbled out, and depth charts shifting by the hour. And in Seattle, where the future at quarterback was supposed to be stable, a familiar uncertainty has crept in. With one starter already paid and another still developing, the Seahawks find themselves staring at a question they thought they had already answered.
“That’s someone you want on your football team, a guy that’s going to go to battle,” Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said last year after recruiting QB Sam Howell from Washington. He was impressed with his tape. But the franchise did not give him many chances, playing him in only two games. No one could have anticipated that his stay with the NFC West team would be short-lived—just one year. Now, trade rumors are flying strong. Finally, we got an update from the Seahawks’ top brass. They are hesitant and might need more time to decide.
While speaking to reporters ahead of the NFL Draft, GM John Schneider was asked about Sam Howell. He somewhat confirmed the rumors by responding to a potential trade report: “I don’t know. We’re not there yet.” The 24-year-old arrived in Seattle last year from the Commanders. In three seasons as a pro, he has played 20 games (18 as a starter), with a 5-13 win-loss record. He has completed 404 of 645 passes (62.6% completion rate) for 4,139 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
SEAHAWKS PRE-DRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE:
GM JOHN SCHNEIDER:
On Sam Howell trade:
Said the trade report regarding a potential trade is accurate. Said “I don’t know. We’re not there yet.” regarding if he was open to it.
On Charles Cross 5th year option:
“I’ll answer that at a later… pic.twitter.com/bbqxtNkjdr
— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) April 21, 2025
He has also shown strength in the rushing game, with 54 carries for 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Last year, he threw only one interception in two games for the Seahawks. However, the major catalyst for his potential trade is the arrival of Sam Darnold. The seven-year veteran signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract. With 83 NFL games (73 starts) and a 35-38 win-loss record, the franchise intends for him to start. That has forced the team to consider moving on.
Several NFL teams are showing interest in the three-year veteran. Schneider confirmed this by adding, “That’s accurate. We have a great relationship with his agent. He has a ton of contacts as well. It’s an open dialogue.” Different teams are in need of a quarterback. Three of them have reportedly made offers for Sam Howell—of which two are looking to bring him in as a backup.
Sam Howell getting attention from NFL teams
At 24, Howell is still young. If he lands in the right environment, he could develop into a franchise quarterback. Three teams currently have openings: the Steelers, Vikings, and Buccaneers. The Steelers are among the most QB-needy teams in the league right now. They let go of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Although head coach Mike Tomlin has shown confidence in the returning Mason Rudolph, they still need someone they can give a shot at becoming a franchise QB. Sam Howell brings that potential—with some development.
He isn’t the only candidate for that all-important position. The Steelers are also pursuing Aaron Rodgers, who not only would be a short-term solution but also appears more inclined toward the Vikings. The Vikings traded away Sam Darnold and are moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starter. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is satisfied with their quarterback room, but adding depth wouldn’t hurt.
It’s a similar situation with the Buccaneers. With Baker Mayfield under center, they’ve played well during the season. However, Howell could prove to be a better second choice than Kyle Trask, who has appeared in only seven games (none as a starter) over four years. The Seahawks might wait until the draft to make a final decision. They still have plenty of time.
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