Seahawks Acquire QB Sam Howell From Commanders For Pick Swaps, Per Report

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 12: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field on November 12, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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Third-year quarterback Sam Howell is a Seattle Seahawk, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Seattle is acquiring Howell in a trade with the Washington Commanders. Seattle gets Howell, a fourth-round pick (No. 102) and a sixth-round pick (No. 179) from Washington, while sending the Commanders a third-round pick (No. 78) and a fifth-round pick (No. 152).

Howell was a fifth-round pick by Washington in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in one game as a rookie, then started each of Washington’s 17 games last season. The Commanders finished 4-13, and Howell led the league in sacks taken (65), pass attempts (612), and interceptions (21). He threw 21 touchdowns and rushed for five more, and had a 63.4 completion percentage.

Against the Seahawks in Week 10 last season, Howell went 29-for-44 for 312 yards, 3 touchdowns and no picks. The Seahawks survived, though, 29-26.

The Seahawks recently saw Drew Lock, the backup to Geno Smith the last two seasons, sign in free agency with the New York Giants. Howell becomes Seattle’s only other quarterback on the roster next to Smith. Schefter’s caption on X suggested the Seahawks have long-liked Howell and are bringing him in to compete with Smith for the starting job.

Seattle has long liked QB Sam Howell. Now, with Drew Lock signing with the Giants, Howell can compete with Geno Smith for the Seahawks starting QB job. https://t.co/jN59Iv8LSN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2024

Washington recently signed former Oregon Duck and veteran QB Marcus Mariota. They also have the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft and are expected to take a QB prospect of their choice following Chicago’s decision at No. 1.

Following the trade, the Seahawks still have seven picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, though currently still without a second-round pick after trading for Leonard Williams last season from the Giants. Seattle picks in the first round at No. 16 overall, the third round at No. 81 overall, twice in the fourth round at No. 102 overall (via Washington) and No. 118 overall, twice in the sixth round at No. 152 overall and No. 179 overall (via Washington), and the seventh round at No. 235 overall.

The Seahawks currently do not have any selections in the second or fifth rounds following the trade for Howell.