Sam Howell trade details: Commanders deal QB to Seahawks in exchange for draft picks

The Commanders will have a new man leading the line under center next year.

Washington dealt former starter Sam Howell to the Seahawks on Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Howell endured a challenging spell as the Commanders' No. 1 in the pocket last year. The North Carolina product went 4-13 as a starter, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Howell was one of the league's more prolific passers when it came to yardage. However, he was doomed by an ever-flowing stream on turnovers; Howell was a gunslinger without a cause, leading the league in interceptions while absorbing a league-high 65 sacks.

Here's the skinny as Howell trades coasts and looks to revitalize his career in the Emerald City.

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Sam Howell trade details

Seahawks get:

• QB Sam Howell
• 2024 Fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall)
• 2024 Sixth-round pick (No. 179 overall)

Commanders get:

• 2024 Third-round pick (No. 78)
• 2024 Fifth-round pick (No. 152)

Howell's trade represented the second time that a QB from the 2022 draft class was dealt on Thursday. Desmond Ridder was shipped to the Cardinals in exchange for WR Rondale Moore earlier in the day.

Much like Ridder, Howell's departure reflects a changing of the tide for his former franchise. Howell showed flashes of brilliance, establishing himself as one of the league's more lively arms in the early portions of the 2023 season.

However, as the year dragged on, Howell's production tailed off. His interceptions became untenable, and after poor displays against the Dolphins, Rams, and Jets, he was summarily benched.

Washington possesses the second-overall selection in the draft. It might not be enough to acquire D.C. native and prospective No. 1 selection Caleb Williams. However, in QBs Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, the Commanders seem to believe they have quite the consolation prize.

Howell's failings during the latter stages of the year — coupled with Washington's prime draft position — put Washington in a curious position. Keep Howell, select a quarterback, and let the chips fall where they may, or cut ties with Howell, hand the reins to the Commanders' first-round pick, and move forward?

In the end, Washington's new front office brass — led by general manager Adam Peters —  opted for the latter. To net a pair of draft picks, one of which was a third-rounder, could represent decent value for a fifth-round pick who faltered as the season wore on.

As for Seattle, Howell is something of a low-risk reclamation project. He's no certainty at this stage in his career. With Geno Smith the clear No. 1 in Emerald City, however, he doesn't have to be.

Smith is 33. Howell is 23, by comparison. Perhaps Smith — given the whirlwind nature of his own professional career — can serve as a decent mentor for the burgeoning QB. At least, that's what the Seahawks will be hoping for.

Sam Howell stats

If there was one word to describe Howell's opening season as a starter, it would be inconsistent. He led the league in pass attempts and ranked 12th in passing yards. He also led the league in interceptions and sacks taken.

Here's a closer look at Howell's numbers across the year.