Sam Howell Reportedly Drawing Trade Interest, Seahawks 'Open' to Deal Before NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly heard from multiple teams interested in trading for backup quarterback Sam Howell, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson.

The Seahawks are "open" to trading Howell after signing Drew Lock last week, Fowler and Henderson reported.

Seattle currently has Lock, Howell and Jaren Hall rostered behind projected starter Sam Darnold.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider indicated Thursday that he expects Lock and Howell to compete for the QB2 spot, and also that he hasn't ruled out targeting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft, per Seattle Sports' Cameron Van Til.

“We have four guys that we really like. … It doesn’t preclude us from doing anything in the draft either, in figuring out what’s going on there," Schneider said Thursday, per Van Til.

Schneider added: "To have Sam Howell and Drew kind of competing for that second spot is a pretty good deal for us.”

The Seahawks general manager also defended Howell's single appearance during the 2024 season.

In relief of Geno Smith, Howell went 5-for-14 for 24 yards with one interception and multiple other near misses in a Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

"He wasn’t put in a great spot. And I think all of us, Sam included, would say, okay, last year’s just a wash, man. Let’s put that aside. Let’s get back in a pro-style system, a proven system, because he can move," Schneider said, per Van Til.

The Seahawks swapped draft capital in order to acquire Howell from the Washington Commanders last March.

Fowler and Henderson reported that three other teams at the time were negotiating a potential trade for Howell, who was coming out of a 2023 season during which he started all 17 games for the Commanders while throwing 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

Originally a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft, Howell is heading into the final season of his rookie contract. He is set to cost a cap hit of $1.1 million in 2025, per Over the Cap.

Quarterback-needy teams who don't land a signal caller when the 2025 NFL draft takes place next weekend could potentially pursue Howell as another affordable option for next season.