QB dominoes are falling Friday, and a third reunion will take place. After Joe Flacco and Josh Johnson made return trips Friday morning, Drew Lock will follow suit.
The Seahawks are re-signing Lock, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. Lock will slide in as a Sam Darnold backup, doing so after playing mostly a backup role as a Giant in 2024. Lock had served as Geno Smith‘s backup from 2022-23.
Initially obtained as part of the eight-asset package the Broncos sent over for Russell Wilson, Lock did not beat out Smith to win the Seahawks’ starting job in 2022. But he became a player the team viewed as valuable. The Seahawks initially re-signed Lock in 2023, keeping him around (at one year and $4MM) despite choosing Smith as their surefire starter. No QB controversy spawned after Smith seized the role as Wilson’s successor, but Lock stayed on after the expiration of his rookie contract. After a rather forgettable Giants one-off, the six-year veteran is coming back to the Pacific Northwest.
Although Pete Carroll is out, the GM who traded for Lock — John Schneider — is calling the shots as Seattle’s top personnel exec. Lock will play behind Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5MM deal to replace Smith days after Seattle traded its three-year starter to Las Vegas.
Lock had been on the Seahawks’ radar to retain in 2024, but Schneider stirred up some controversy by indicating he signed with the Giants (one year, $5MM) due partially to being told he could compete for a starting job. Big Blue pushed back on that, not seriously considering a Daniel Jones demotion during the ’24 offseason. But Lock did make his way into the lineup, as the team ultimately did jettison Jones after a six-year partnership fizzled.
Lock’s decision to rejoin the Seahawks hours after Flacco recommitted to the Browns may not be a coincidence. It is certainly possible Cleveland looked at Lock as a potential bridge starter, as he has a bit more experience at the controls than Kenny Pickett. Though, Lock has not been looked at as a preferred starter since the Broncos replaced him with Teddy Bridgewater in 2021. Given a quick hook in Denver, the former second-round pick still has made 28 career starts. A rather notable outing took place last December, helping Lock finalize his case for another QB2 gig.
In a game that dropped the Giants out of the No. 1 draft slot, Lock sliced up the Colts in a shootout win. He completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards and four touchdown passes. Lock did not throw an interception against Indianapolis, and while the win looks to have blocked the Giants from solving their QB problem with Cam Ward, it helped Lock secure another opportunity. He will join 2024 trade acquisition Sam Howell on Seattle’s roster. Considering Howell started 17 games for the 2023 Commanders, this represents a gradual fall for the North Carolina product.
Lock, 28, was 1-4 as a starter last season; the Giants initially went with Tommy DeVito over the veteran upon benching Jones. As a Seahawk, Lock went 1-1 as a starter. The win came during a Monday-night game against a cratering Eagles defense, but Lock has been a streaky passer — one prone to INTs — throughout his career. Like fellow Mizzou alums Chase Daniel and Blaine Gabbert, he continues to secure regular QB2 employment.
The legend returns
Interesting choice. I’m shocked no calls to Las Vegas or saints to win a backup job?
Are you really shocked? Raiders have a capable backup in Aidan O’Connell. He’s a notch better than lock IMO. Plus he’s cheaper too.
True but going back to Seattle is still interesting it’s not even the same staff that had him last time.
I would have told my agent to call saints. If Carr goes down again I’d take lock over rattler any day of the week.
That I could see (to the saints). But Pete has a far better backup in Aidan than Lock. Just doesn’t make sense in LV. Plus they will draft a QB too. I’m guessing in the later rounds. The raiders QB room (including backup) is better than Den and LA. KC is the one team that has it better. Obviously Mahomes and Gardner is far better than what we saw last year. Getsy really stuck it up in terms of scheme etc.
“Far better” might be a stretch. O’Connell is fine but nothing special. He doesn’t have the tools to go out and will a team to win ballgames. There’s a handful of guys I would prefer as my QB2.
You must be a “hawks “ fan. Aidan has a career 7-10 record. 20 TDs -11 INts. Had some great games against KC too, who were the AFC champions. Lock is 10-18 all time. 34 TDs -28 yes 28 INTs. I’d rather have Aidan than lock as QB2. Gotta remember Aidan has only been in the league 2 years and hs had 4 OCs. His record and stats aren’t bad considering that. I’m not saying he’s elite QB2 (but he’s close). I’m just saying he’s far better than lock.
There’s still stuff to find out about Rattler. There’s nothing to find out about Lock. Besides, if Carr goes down, they might as well either see if Rattler has something or tank if he doesn’t. It’s not like that team is going anywhere.
Tell that to saints fans lmao
One of my best friends is a lifelong Saints fan. Definitely not the most realistic fan I know. I remember him telling me in 2022 that the Saints would be a perennial contender again if they traded for Watson. Oops. But the guy introduced me to my wife, so I try to be nice about his team… to his face, not on here.
Lmao fair enough
Sam Howell’s stock is doing even worse than actual stocks.
Drew Lock’s stock blowing up like Tesla charging stations.