Flynn's Mediocre Spring Leaves Door Open for Rookie Wilson to Be Seahawks' QB

Ten million dollars guaranteed over three years isn't exactly "franchise quarterback money." It certainly isn't "backup quarterback money" either.

In essence, what the Seahawks gave Matt Flynn is a bet that he is an improvement over Tarvaris Jackson. A bet that pays off if Flynn rises to the occasion and makes his 2013-14 salaries of $5.25 million and $6.25 million a bargain compared to most starting quarterbacks' price tags.

So far, that bet is coming back a loser.

Via Rotoworld, ESPN's John Clayton said Flynn "'hasn't wowed anybody'" during OTAs and minicamp. According to Clayton, incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson will take the first snap of training camp in the wake of Flynn's underwhelming performance in May and June.

The name not mentioned in Clayton's report is third-round pick Russell Wilson. He is the third quarterback in Clayton's proclamation that "'[i]t's still gonna be a three-way competition.'"

The Seahawks obviously like Wilson. Pete Carroll decided the rookie was a full-fledged member of the quarterback competition after seeing him in rookie minicamp. According to The Seattle Times, he recently reiterated that all three quarterbacks have an "'even shot'" to win the job in training camp and the preseason.

So, let's review. The incumbent quarterback is not trusted, so Seattle gives $10 million to an unproven backup. Meanwhile, they spend a third-round pick on a quarterback they love and almost instantly give him a shot to start. The unproven backup has a so-so spring, leaving the incumbent still in the incumbent spot heading into the summer. As for the rookie? He's still hanging around, anything but ruled out after splitting first-team reps with the veterans all spring.

It still seems like somewhat of a long shot, but Wilson is the only player of the three quarterback candidates who has been consistently generating positive momentum. If that carries over to the preseason in live game action, Carroll is the kind of coach who won't hesitate to start "the best man" regardless of experience.

Unless the trends change in Seattle, look for the "start Wilson" bandwagon to grow in numbers very quickly.