Sam Howell is the reason the Seattle Seahawks likely won't end a three-decades long streak in 2024 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks have given just one sign that quarterback is a possibility with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Seattle's list of top-30 visits featured three quarterbacks, but only one, Bo Nix, can be considered in the first-round conversation, with the 16th overall pick very early for him to come off the board.

Quarterbacks typically do get pushed up but, with the first round now just three days away, ESPN's Adam Schefter explained why it is unlikely the Seahawks take a quarterback in the opening round, with an unexpected name forming a key part of the reasoning.

In reference to the possibility of the Seahawks selecting Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr, Schefter wrote:

With regards to Penix, though, it should be pointed out that the Seahawks are high on quarterback Sam Howell, whom they traded for last month, and feel he offers some unique advantages. The 23-year-old Howell started 18 NFL games for the Commanders, is the same age as Penix (and Daniels) and is one year younger than Bo Nix (Oregon). Macdonald and the Seahawks feel they have invested in their future at the position with a player who already has game experience. Bypassing a quarterback also would be consistent with Seattle and continue an odd trend for the franchise.

Howell was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL last season, throwing for 3,946 yards. However, he threw as many touchdowns as interceptions (21) and was sacked a league-high 65 times, delivering erratic play amid a dismal situation with the Washington Commanders.

Having traded a third and fifth-round pick in this year's draft to acquire Howell, the Seahawks clearly have some belief they can harness the best parts of his game more consistently and potentially develop him into a long-term starter. Geno Smith is a free agent in 2026 but the Seahawks can move on from him next offseason and save $25 million against the cap with a $13.5 million dead cap charge, per Over The Cap.

That belief in Howell, along with a host of more pressing needs, appears to be a key reason why the Seahawks are likely to maintain a streak that has lasted over three decades.

Seattle has not taken a quarterback in the first round of the draft since Rick Mirer went second overall in 1993.

Barring a significant surprise, that appears unlikely to change. There may be plenty of appetite for the Seahawks to take Penix, the quarterback that led Seattle's college team to the cusp of National Championship glory, but there is a much better chance that Howell is leading their offense in the not too distant future.