The Trade that Shaped Seattle’s Future
On Friday night, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant move by trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. This decision immediately set the stage for a new era in the Seahawks’ offense, one led by former North Carolina Tar Heels star Sam Howell. Howell, who is just 24 years old, saw limited action in Seattle last season, throwing only 14 passes in two games. However, the Seahawks’ acquisition of Howell via trade from the Washington Commanders last year was no mere coincidence. It signaled a clear intention to groom him for a larger role, and now, that role has arrived with the departure of Smith.
Howell’s Journey to the NFL
Originally selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell quickly made his mark in the league. By his sophomore season, he had become Washington’s starting quarterback, finishing with an impressive 3,946 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. While the interceptions were a concern, Howell’s ability to throw for nearly 4,000 yards in a single season demonstrated his potential and the raw talent he possesses. His college career at the University of North Carolina was equally noteworthy, where he led the ACC in touchdown passes twice during his three-year tenure. These accolades and his early NFL success suggest that Howell has the makings of a future star.
The Challenges Ahead
However, the transition to the Seahawks may not be without its challenges. Seattle recently released wide receiver Tyler Lockett, one of their most reliable targets, and they are also in the process of trading D.K. Metcalf, another key player. If these moves go through, Howell will be left with a less experienced receiving corps, primarily featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This could put a strain on Howell’s ability to connect with his receivers and control the offense. The lack of a strong supporting cast is a common issue for young quarterbacks, but it’s exacerbated by the fact that Howell’s previous team, the Commanders, had a notoriously poor offensive line. In 2023, he was sacked a league-high 65 times, which contributed significantly to his turnovers and overall performance.
Balance of Talent and Protection
While some of Howell’s interceptions can be attributed to holding onto the ball too long, the frequent sacks he endured are a glaring indicator of inadequate protection. A quarterback’s success is often tied to the performance of his offensive line, and Howell’s struggles in Washington were partly due to this lack of support. In Seattle, the team will need to ensure that Howell has a better line to work with, which could help mitigate some of the issues he faced in his previous role. The Seahawks have the financial flexibility with over $32 million in cap space to make the necessary improvements, both on the offensive line and in other areas of the offense.
The Road to Improvement
The Seahawks have a few avenues to explore in order to bolster their offense for Howell. They may use their cap space to sign free agents, particularly wide receivers or offensive linemen, to provide a more stable and supportive environment for their young quarterback. Additionally, the NFL Draft offers a wealth of talent, and Seattle could target potential receivers or linemen to add depth to their roster. The team’s focus on developing Howell as their future starter means that they will likely prioritize moves that enhance his play and reduce the pressure he faces on the field. Whether through free agency or the draft, the Seahawks have the opportunity to build a more formidable offense around Howell.
Looking to the Future
In the end, Sam Howell’s career trajectory is one to watch closely. His talent and potential are undeniable, and the Seahawks’ decision to trade for him and now to give him the starting role indicates a strong belief in his abilities. While the challenges ahead are significant, Howell’s experience and leadership at Chapel Hill, combined with his early success in the NFL, suggest that he has the skill set to overcome these obstacles. The coming months will be crucial for the Seahawks as they prepare to hand over the reins to Howell, and fans will be eager to see how he performs in 2025 and beyond. The future of the Seahawks’ offense looks bright, with Howell poised to lead the team into a new chapter of their storied history.
