Matt Flynn to Seattle Seahawks: 5 Biggest Winners and Losers of QB's Decision

According to Tim Booth of the Associated Press, the Seattle Seahawks have signed quarterback Matt Flynn:

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The Seahawks reached agreement Sunday with Matt Flynn on a three-year deal, bringing one of the most wanted—yet unproven—free agents to the Pacific Northwest to try and solidify Seattle’s QB position.

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It's an important move for the Seahawks and a great opportunity for Matt Flynn to really prove himself.

That said, here are three winners and two losers from Flynn's movement to the Great Northwest.

Winner: Matt Flynn

Can't have a list of winners from this without listing the man in the center of it all.

Matt Flynn has not been a full season or even a partial season starter. He's proved his NFL skills in just three games; two of which were starts.

In 2010, Flynn saw time against the Lions and Patriots (both on the road) and combined for 428 yards, three touchdowns, two picks and a 61.3 completion percentage.

Then in 2011, Flynn torched the Lions at home in Week 17 with 480 yards, six touchdowns, one pick and a 70.5 completion percentage. Although that was a meaningless games, as both teams were already in the postseason, it still warrants a good amount of respect.

Seattle needs a quarterback who can make a strong push against the NFC West defenses, so Flynn fits well with good receiving corps, running game, head coach and defense around him.

Loser: Tarvaris Jackson

Last year was easily the best season of Tarvaris Jackson's career.

Jackson compiled over 3,000 passing yards with 14 touchdowns to 13 picks and a 60.2 completion percentage.

Certainly not mesmerizing numbers from a starting quarterback, but not completely awful or unproductive either.

Plus, Seattle is a run-first team with Marshawn Lynch, and the Seahawks do have young receiving corps. That said, Jackson's numbers aren't impressive enough to consider him a lock for the starting role in 2012.

The Seahawks are one quarterback away from really taking off in the NFC West and after Flynn's performances in a Peter Carroll-esque offense, Seattle will have Jackson as the backup.

Winner: Seahawks Division Championship Odds

Even with a stout defense, excellent running game and a reliable group of receiving targets, the Seattle Seahawks began 2011 with a 2-6 record.

They did finish 5-3 to close out at 7-9, but this season was Tarvaris Jackson's best performance and second season as a legitimate contributor (first was 2007 in Minnesota).

Elsewhere in the NFC West, quarterbacks continue to be a potential issue, except in Seattle.

The Seahawks, with their impressive rushing offense and rapidly improving defense, have closed the gap on San Francisco. Kevin Kolb after 2011, doesn't appear to be the answer in Arizona and the Rams have all kinds of areas to address on top of quarterback.

In short, regardless of who's under center in the Bay Area, Flynn gives Seattle a more presenting pass offense, which will take defenders out of the box; thus allowing Marshawn Lynch to roll even more against the 'Niners solid front seven.

Loser: Miami Dolphins

This somewhat pertains to Alex Smith, because at one point according to the Associated Press, the San Francisco 49ers were interested in Peyton Manning; who may sign with Denver, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN (not yet official).

Here's where the Miami Dolphins come in.

First, the Dolphins were sought to be the best fit for Manning, however, once Brandon Marshall was traded to Chicago, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, Miami's chances began to crumble. All this time, Matt Flynn was considered to be a solid fit for Miami as they had previously hired his former offensive coordinator in Joe Philbin.

And, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the favorites:

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The Dolphins are viewed around the league as the favorite for Flynn, and there’s strong mutual interest.

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Now, with Manning supposedly in Denver and Flynn in Seattle, there's good reason to believe that the 49ers will retain Alex Smith. According to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, it's a solid bet:

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The 49ers’ offer to free-agent QB Alex Smith remains on the table and has not been lowered or revoked, league sources said Monday. The sources said the team is confident Smith will opt to stay in San Francisco.

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So, with all the smoke and drama cleared, the Miami Dolphins have zero proverbial displacement and end up right where the 2011 season finished.

Winner: Seahawks Draft Strategy

Had the Seattle Seahawks not been able to land a quarterback via free agency, it would not have been surprising to see them take a quarterback in the draft.

Now, Seattle can focus on enhancing its defense in the early rounds, and then get Marshawn Lynch that complement No. 2 running back in the middle rounds.

So, there's no need to look at a stud quarterback and worst-case scenario is Flynn underperforming, which just opens the door for Tarvaris Jackson.

Obviously that's not the most appealing option, however, Jackson has the capability to lead Seattle with an upgraded offense and even more impressive defense. All he'll be asked to do, is to manage games and not turn the ball over.

Considering all the talent on Seattle, if Jackson were needed in 2012 for relief purposes, it's better to have a guy who's familiar with the system than a rookie with limited experience under center.

As long as the Seahawks defense can close the gap on San Francisco's, while the offense improves, Seattle doesn't need to address the quarterback position in April. The last thing Seattle needs if Flynn gets hurt or underachieves, is to start a new guy ahead of Jackson that isn't NFL-ready.

Jackson may not be your idealistic gun-slinger, however, he can be a reliable guy when needed.

John Rozum on Twitter.