The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move on Thursday by acquiring quarterback Sam Howell in a trade with the Washington Commanders. This trade involved multiple draft picks, including a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder going to Seattle in exchange for picks in the third and fifth rounds. However, while this move solidifies the Seahawks’ quarterback depth, it raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy at the position.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider emphasized that Howell is being brought in as Geno Smith’s backup and not as a competitor for the starting job. This decision may seem puzzling given Howell’s potential and the struggles the team faced at the quarterback position last season. While Geno Smith performed admirably in relief of Russell Wilson, there are doubts about whether he can be the long-term solution for the Seahawks.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Sam Howell
One of the reasons cited for acquiring Sam Howell is his toughness and work ethic. At just 23 years old, Howell has already amassed 18 starts in the league, showcasing his experience at a young age. However, despite his promising start, Howell’s performance in the latter part of the season raises concerns. After an impressive first half of the season, where he led the NFL in passing yards and was among the top in touchdown passes, Howell’s production declined significantly in the final seven games. This inconsistency and his high interception rate are areas of improvement that the Seahawks will need to address.
The trade for Sam Howell comes at a time when the Seahawks are limited in their draft picks, with no second-round pick this year. This lack of draft capital could hinder their ability to address the quarterback position in the upcoming draft. While they do have a first-round pick at No. 16 overall, the options for selecting a quarterback may be limited. With Howell and Geno Smith as the only quarterbacks on the roster, the Seahawks may need to explore other avenues to bolster the position.
Washington’s Perspective
From Washington’s perspective, the trade of Sam Howell represents a shift in their quarterback strategy. With the signing of Marcus Mariota in free agency and the expected selection of a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the draft, it is clear that Washington is moving in a different direction. While Howell showed promise as a starter, the team’s decision to move on indicates a desire for a fresh start at the position.
While the acquisition of Sam Howell provides the Seahawks with much-needed quarterback depth, there are concerns about the team’s long-term plan at the position. Howell’s potential and experience offer promise, but his inconsistencies and Washington’s willingness to move on raise questions about the future. The Seahawks will need to carefully evaluate their options moving forward to ensure they have a sustainable solution at quarterback.
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