Drew Lock To Giants Leaves Seahawks Searching For Quarterback(s)

Drew Lock has agreed to join the New York Giants. And while that's notable because it seemingly settles the Giants backup quarterback spot and means Lock has to find movers to get his stuff across the country, the bigger fallout from this move remains with the Seattle Seahawks.

Because this move means the Seahawks have a quarterback problem to resolve.

Seahawks QB Drew Lock tests positive for COVID. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Drew Lock Departure Leaves Vacancy

The Seahawks now join the number of NFL teams in serious need of quarterback help. And while they don't necessarily need a starter who can come in and save the franchise, because they have Geno Smith, they do have a situation that requires urgent attention.

The Seahawks, you see, have no quarterback on the roster other than Smith.

And most teams need four quarterbacks to go to training camp and at least two throughout the season. (Some teams like three on their roster throughout the season).

That means the Seahawks are going to select a quarterback in the NFL draft. Or find one in free agency. Or trade for one. Or go with a combination of multiple options.

RENTON, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 01: John Schneider, general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, reacts as he announces Mike Macdonald (not pictured) as the new Seattle Seahawks head coach at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on February 01, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Seahawks' Schneider Wants QBs

This isn't a surprise for general manager John Schneider.

He let Lock walk for a relative pittance – a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $5 million. If the Seahawks had really wanted to keep Lock, they could have easily matched that money because they have sufficient salary cap space. But, nope.

So Schneider obviously has designs on adding other guys. Different guys. And the reason we know he prefers to do that work in the draft is because he got his start with the Green Bay Packers under general manager Ron Wolf.

And Wolf always wanted to add quarterbacks in the draft.

"I've told you guys in the past, and having grown up in the Packer organization [under] Ron Wolf, 14 drafts and only drafting two quarterbacks is not something that we're necessarily proud of," Schneider said at the NFL scouting combine. "It's just happened that way. Every year it's a goal to acquire a quarterback, whether that's draft, free agency, whatever it looks like.

"But, yeah, this year's draft class is a cool group. A lot of variances in there."

The Seahawks hold the No. 16 overall selection in next month's NFL draft. So that could put them in a sweet spot for adding local kid Michael Penix Jr, who played at the University of Washington. It also puts the Seahawks in a position to pick guys such as Bo Nix.

How will Geno Smith and the Seahawks do in 2022? (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Geno Smith A Starter For Now

Why would the Seahawks, which have other pressing needs, possibly pick a quarterback in the first round? Because starter Geno Smith is 33-years-old. And his contract only runs through this coming season and 2025. And Schneider seems to understand his quarterback's status today doesn't guarantee tomorrow – or two years from now.

"… (He's) the starter until he's not," Schneider said at one point, referring the deeper depth chart question to his coaching staff.

Assuming Smith can still be the guy after playing well (not outstanding but good) while delivering 20 TD passes and 9 interceptions last season, the Seahawks can consider a QB selection later in the draft. That would bring a developmental player to the team.

And that opens the Seahawks to the possibility, if not probability, of adding a veteran via free agency or a trade. Remember, Schneider is open to "whatever" avenue for addressing the issue. 

So let's do the exercise. And let's start with a trade.

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA;  Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks to throw a pass during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields remains on the trade market. And at last check, no team had stepped forward and offered anything for Fields to secure him from the Bears. 

This has become an option for the Seahawks.

No, Fields doesn't arrive in Seattle as a starter. Or even to compete to be a starter. OutKick last week reported NFL teams have long since abandoned the idea of valuing Fields as a starter.

But as an experienced backup to Smith for one year? 

Could work.

There's also the free agent market. It's starting to dry up because Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold, Jacoby Brissett, and Gardner Minshew are already spoken for.

But Carson Wentz, Joe Flacco and Ryan Tanehill are available. Jimmy Garoppolo will be released by the Raiders eventually, and he could be an option, although he must serve a suspension for two games to begin the regular season. All have experience. Tannehill, Garoppolo, and Flacco have won in the playoffs.

It makes sense for a team looking for an experienced backup. It especially makes sense for a team such as the Seahawks that only has one quarterback on the roster.