The Seahawks may turn to the 2022 NFL Draft for quarterback help after their blockbuster offseason trade that sent franchise great Russell Wilson to the Broncos. For now, however, they’re focused on pursuing potential veteran successors, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson, calling the Browns and Falcons to inquire about Baker Mayfield and Matt Ryan, respectively.
Seattle acquired former Broncos second-round pick Drew Lock, who’s started 21 career games, in the Wilson trade, and both coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider told reporters this week they believe the 25-year-old could open 2022 as their starter. The Seahawks also own the No. 9 pick in April’s draft, which could be used to target a top QB prospect. But they “prefer … an experienced” starter, according to Anderson, hence their calls about Mayfield, Ryan and other veterans.
Mayfield, once endorsed as the Browns’ likely 2022 starter, has requested a trade out of Cleveland after the Browns unsuccessfully pursued embattled Texans QB Deshaun Watson in recent days. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former No. 1 overall pick has been told his request will not be honored, but the Browns were also rumored to be fielding inquiries about Mayfield’s availability even before meeting with Watson about a potential trade.
The Falcons, meanwhile, were reportedly close to restructuring Ryan’s lucrative contract this offseason, essentially committing to the former MVP through 2022. But the 36-year-old QB was informed of Atlanta’s pursuit of Watson before Falcons brass hosted the Texans star and, according to ESPN, was recently given permission to “vet his (own) trade options.” Ryan has played his entire 14-year NFL career in Atlanta, but in the event the Falcons acquire Watson, he would assuredly be shipped elsewhere.
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