“They didn’t want Drake Maye to compete against his friend” – Commanders trading QB Sam Howell to Seahawks triggers WILD reactions on social media

Sam Howell will be the backup to Geno Smith at Seahawks.

“They didn’t want Drake Maye to compete against his friend” – Commanders trading QB Sam Howell to Seahawks triggers WILD reactions on social media

Sam Howell (Image via IMAGO)

Sam Howell‘s two-year stint with the Washington Commanders came to an end on Thursday. Howell has agreed to join the Seattle Seahawks.

The Commanders’ fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft went to the Seattle Seahawks along with a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall) and a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 179). They received a 2024 third-rounder (No. 78) and a 2024 fifth-rounder (No. 152) pick in return, NFL insider Tom Pellissero revealed, which was later confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

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Sam Howell will essentially take the place of recently departed Drew Lock for the New York Giants. With new head coach Mike McDonald taking charge of the Seahawks, it will be interesting to witness the growth of the 23-year-old. 

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The Commanders, on the other hand, released their primary backup from last year. Jacoby Brissett, who played a few snaps when Howell got benched, has agreed to resign with the New England Patriots. 

Football fans had varied reactions to the Seattle Seahawks signing Sam Howell

After Ron Rivera left the Commanders‘ building last year, talks about moving on from Howell were already in motion. When the new owners’ appointed Dan Quinn as head coach, the possibility became a certainty, and eventually, he was traded to the Seahawks.

"They didn’t want Drake Maye to compete against his friend" - Commanders trading QB Sam Howell to Seahawks triggers WILD reactions on social media
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (#14) walks off the field after the Commanders loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Arlington AT&T Stadium Texas USA (Image via IMAGO)

Howell has the talent and legit arm strength. But he was unable to maneuver his way around the pocket in a leaky Washington O-line. And on top of that, the regime would always prefer a fresh start; just look at the Broncos. They also hold the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, which some analysts predict drafting one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. 

The Seahawks’ move should benefit Sam Howell. He will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned campaigner Geno Smith. The veteran, following a resurgent 2022 season, saw a slight drop the following year. Smith signed a four-year deal to stay in Seattle and most likely will play out his remaining two years as the starter for McDonald’s.

It’s yet to be seen how first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb would emulate shot-calling in the NFL. The former Washington Huskies coordinator made Micahel Penix Jr. a household name, and he would undeniably see him picked very high.

Penix and Howell may not be similar in height, but both know how to throw the ball very far. The Seahawks witnessed how good Howell can be firsthand last season. He threw 312 yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks in Week 10.

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