In perhaps the largest roster shakeup in recent Seattle Seahawks history, Seattle has traded quarterback Sam Howell to the Minnesota Vikings. Then, in March 2024, Howell pulled a huge away. This was after a rollercoaster 2023 campaign with the Washington Commanders, a season in which he revealed both his star upside and his rookie-year struggles.
Howell, a fifth-round pick by Washington in 2022, had a standout yet inconsistent year, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and a league-high 21 interceptions. He proved his playmaking ability by leading the NFL with 612 pass attempts. On top of that, he had a staggering 63.4% completion rate. Even with these great numbers, his record-high interception rate brought questions about how well he would make decisions under duress.
Indeed, less than a week after trading out Howell to the Seahawks, Washington made some big splashes themselves. In 2023, they selected Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the draft. This decision underscores their willingness to commit to the franchise development with new, young blood. They selected quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round. This step, combined with their other offseason moves, illustrates their commitment to youth and long-term growth in their quarterback room.
It was a surprising and daring gamble by the Seahawks to land Howell. They swapped away their third- and fifth-round picks, along with a fourth and sixth-round pick. It wasn’t long before Howell found himself on the move again. In an unexpected twist, he ended up being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in a move that netted both teams a pick swap.
During his brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Howell had numerous setbacks, none more than not getting an honest shot to prove himself. He finished five of 14 passes for just 24 yards. He even threw one interception himself after his teammate Sam Smith tore his ACL making a goal line tackle. Given this lack of performance, it’s no surprise that the Seahawks are then reported to have turned around to execute a second trade.
Nolan Teasley, Seattle’s assistant general manager, reflected on Howell’s impact while with the club.
“What happened yesterday probably had some impact on that. We wish him the best and we’re really appreciative of the work that he put in while he was here. But just in terms of an opportunity that’s best for him moving forward and what’s best for the organization, it came together.” – Nolan Teasley
The approach now taken for the Vikings is taking full advantage of Howell’s inexperience and youthfulness. Ryan Grigson, a representative from the Vikings’ management, acknowledged the unique opportunity presented by acquiring a quarterback with Howell’s background.
“It’s an opportunity that is not usually that easy to come by when you have that type of youth and that type of experience.” – Ryan Grigson
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager of the Vikings, said he was excited about Howell’s potential moving forward. He emphasized their vision for success.
“The outcome we want” and “the outcome we’re headed towards.” – Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Seattle has re-signed Drew Lock to a two-year, $5-million deal. He’ll back up starter Sam Darnold while the organization continues to figure their way through this roster turnover. The Howell trade was a catalyst for this deal to happen on both sides. Each of those teams will be re-evaluating their quarterback priorities going forward.
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