Seahawks Reunite with Drew Lock on Two-Year Deal, Reshuffling Quarterback Room The Seattle Seahawks have brought back familiar face Drew Lock, signing the veteran quarterback to a two-year contract worth up to $5 million, sources confirmed Friday. The move marks Lock’s second stint with the team after a one-year detour with the New York Giants and signals a strategic shift in the Seahawks’ plans behind newly acquired starter Sam Darnold.

Lock’s Return and the Howell Conundrum Lock, 28, rejoins a quarterback room that now includes Darnold, Sam Howell, and Jaren Hall, but his arrival casts immediate doubt on Howell’s future. Acquired via trade from Washington in March 2024, Howell struggled in limited action last season, including a disastrous relief appearance against the Packers where he posted a 3.3 QBR. Lock, by contrast, started five games for the Giants in 2024, throwing six touchdowns and five interceptions while showcasing mobility with two rushing scores.

Seattle’s front office, led by general manager John Schneider, has emphasized experience over unproven talent this offseason. Lock’s familiarity with the organization—he spent 2022-23 as Geno Smith’s backup after arriving via the Russell Wilson trade—gives him an edge in the competition for the QB2 role. “Lock has proven to be a viable backup who can catch lightning in a spot start,” observed one analyst, referencing his 2023 prime-time win over Philadelphia with Seattle, where he threw for 477 yards and three touchdowns in two emergency starts.

Draft Implications and Depth Chart Dynamics The signing complicates Seattle’s quarterback draft strategy. The team has hosted prospects like Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe—both top-five QBs on Mel Kiper Jr.’s board—but Lock’s return reduces the urgency to select a signal-caller early. As of now, the depth chart projects as:

• QB1: Sam Darnold (three-year, $100.5M free-agent signing)
• QB2: Drew Lock
• QB3: Sam Howell
• QB4: Jaren Hall

Howell, who has 18 career starts, now faces an uphill battle to retain his roster spot. League insiders speculate Seattle could trade or release him, especially if they draft a developmental QB.

A Calculated Gamble on Experience Lock’s $5 million deal reflects Seattle’s belief in his ability to stabilize the backup role. While his career numbers (34 TDs, 28 INTs, 10-18 record as a starter) are modest, his clutch performances in 2023—including a game-winning drive against the Eagles—left a lasting impression. “He kept the Seahawks in both games he started, something that clearly resonated with Schneider,” noted an NFL Network insider.

The move also underscores Seattle’s pivot from the Geno Smith era, as the team fully commits to Darnold’s revival behind a retooled offense featuring newcomers like Cooper Kupp. For Lock, it’s a chance to rebuild value in a system he knows—and perhaps audition for future opportunities if Darnold stumbles.

As OTAs approach, all eyes will be on whether Schneider makes additional moves at quarterback. But for now, the Seahawks’ message is clear: reliability trumps potential in their quest to return to playoff contention.