Washington Commanders Trade Sam Howell to Seattle Seahawks: A Bold Move for Both Teams
In a surprising and bold move, the Washington Commanders have traded quarterback Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. This unexpected shift in the NFL landscape has raised eyebrows across the league, as both teams prepare for the future with new expectations. Let’s break down what this trade means for both teams, the impact on Howell’s career, and the larger implications for the NFC East and NFC West.
The Trade Details
The specifics of the trade, including the compensation and additional players or draft picks involved, have yet to be fully disclosed. However, the deal marks a significant change for Howell, who had shown promise during his brief tenure as Washington’s starting quarterback. On the flip side, Seattle gets a young and talented quarterback with upside, which fits their long-term goals.
For the Commanders, this trade signals their decision to pivot away from Howell, despite his flashes of potential in the 2023 season. It’s possible they have chosen to pursue a different direction at quarterback, either through free agency or the draft, with Howell not fitting into their immediate plans. For the Seahawks, it’s an opportunity to secure a younger signal-caller who could develop behind starter Geno Smith, providing them with a long-term option at the position.
Sam Howell’s Development in Washington
Sam Howell, a former standout at North Carolina, was drafted by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While not initially seen as a day-one starter, Howell impressed the coaching staff with his strong arm, mobility, and leadership ability. He started the final game of the 2022 season, showcasing his potential in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, it wasn’t until the 2023 season that Howell truly began to take control of the offense, earning the starting role for the Commanders.
In his first full season as the starter, Howell had a mixed bag of performances, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with consistency. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, but also had his share of interceptions and mistakes. His ability to throw the deep ball and extend plays with his legs kept defenses honest, but he also showed the kind of decision-making that left room for growth.
Despite his ups and downs, Howell’s potential was clear. He had moments where he looked like the quarterback Washington had been searching for, but inconsistencies ultimately led to his departure. Now, with Howell set to join the Seattle Seahawks, the question becomes: Can he continue to develop and fulfill his potential as a starter in the NFL?
What This Means for the Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have been in a unique position at quarterback in recent years, as they’ve navigated the post-Russell Wilson era with Geno Smith leading the way. Smith, who had spent years as a backup and journeyman quarterback, revitalized his career with a career-best season in 2022. However, despite his success, the Seahawks’ front office likely views him as a short-term solution, and the long-term plans at quarterback remain uncertain.
Bringing in Sam Howell is a clear signal that Seattle is preparing for the future. Howell represents a young and athletic quarterback who can sit and learn behind Smith for a few seasons before potentially taking over the starting job. The Seahawks are in a prime position to develop Howell, given their strong coaching staff led by head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
What stands out about Howell’s fit in Seattle is his playmaking ability. His mobility and willingness to take shots down the field align well with the Seahawks’ offensive philosophy. With the likes of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett still in the fold, Howell will have weapons at his disposal to ease his transition into the NFL’s highest level of play. Moreover, the Seahawks have a strong running game led by Kenneth Gainwell and a solid offensive line, which could help Howell develop in a more balanced and less pressured environment.
The Quarterback Landscape in Seattle
For the Seahawks, Howell’s acquisition could help provide stability at the most important position on the field, but the immediate focus is on how he will progress behind Geno Smith. Smith, who turns 34 years old in 2024, is entering the final phase of his career, and the Seahawks need to ensure they have a contingency plan in place for the future. Howell could be that plan.
The expectation will likely be for Howell to sit and learn from Smith for at least one season, if not longer. This gives him time to refine his game, improve his decision-making, and adjust to the speed of the NFL. If Howell develops as expected, the Seahawks could have a smooth transition once Smith’s tenure as the starter comes to an end. In the meantime, the competition between Smith and Howell in training camp could foster a healthy rivalry, with both quarterbacks pushing each other for the starting role.
Washington Commanders’ Future at Quarterback
For the Washington Commanders, trading away Sam Howell marks a critical juncture in the team’s search for a franchise quarterback. While Howell showed promise, he was not able to convince the Commanders’ brass that he was the long-term answer at the position. Now, Washington enters a new chapter with questions about who will be under center in the coming seasons.
The trade could open up opportunities for Washington to pursue a veteran quarterback, potentially through free agency or a trade. There have been rumors about Washington’s interest in quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, Derek Carr, or even a draft pick that could be used on one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class. Washington could also look to draft a young quarterback, allowing them to build a new era while hoping for an immediate impact from a rookie.
The Commanders are a team in flux after years of instability at the quarterback position. With the recent ownership change, the new regime could look to make a splash in the offseason to solidify the franchise’s future. While Howell’s trade might signal the end of his tenure in Washington, it also opens the door for the team to address the most important position in football.
Implications for the NFC East and NFC West
Washington’s decision to move on from Howell also has ramifications for the NFC East. The Commanders, long stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, are hoping that a new quarterback can help them compete with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. With Howell gone, the team is essentially starting over at quarterback, which could delay any hopes of making a deep playoff run in the short term. The division, which has become one of the most competitive in the league, will continue to put pressure on Washington to get it right at quarterback.
In contrast, the Seahawks are looking to solidify their place in the NFC West, a division led by the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and perennial contenders in the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals. The addition of Howell gives Seattle a potential long-term answer at quarterback, which could keep them competitive in the division as Geno Smith ages. Howell’s development could become one of the key storylines in the NFC West over the next few seasons.
The trade of Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders to the Seattle Seahawks is one of the more intriguing moves of the 2024 offseason. Howell’s potential is clear, but it remains to be seen how he will develop in Seattle’s system. For the Seahawks, this trade gives them a possible future quarterback to groom, while Washington continues its search for stability at the most important position in sports.
As both teams move forward, this trade will likely shape the trajectory of both franchises for years to come. Howell’s success or failure in Seattle could determine whether the Commanders’ gamble on a new quarterback pays off or sets them back even further in their quest for relevance in the NFC East. Meanwhile, Seattle’s ability to develop Howell could set the stage for another era of success in the Pacific Northwest.
