As fans across social media debate the Sam Howell trade, perhaps the best way to frame the discussion is thus: Did the Seahawks just trade for Matt Hasselbeck or did they trade for Charlie Whitehurst?

In other words, did they add a potential franchise passer or a second-tier backup? Or maybe something in between?

A few weeks ago, we set the table for the transition from holdover quarterback Geno Smith to a new QB who becomes Mike Macdonald’s guy. In that post, we retraced how Mike Holmgren landed Hasselbeck in Year 3 (2001) and how John Schneider took a swing on Whitehurst in his first year (2010), missed and didn’t get his QB until Year 3 either.

Hasselbeck turned into a franchise savior while Whitehurst was merely Clipboard Jesus. Which might Howell be?

Howell already has more on-field experience than either of those quarterbacks had coming to Seattle.

He also was very well regarded by most analysts in the 2022 draft, and it was surprising that he was not taken until the first pick of the fifth round. That was three rounds lower than he was expected to go. The consensus projected him in the 52-56 range.

In 17 starts in Washington last season, Howell showed a strong arm, good pocket ability and mobility. But his biggest flaw was locking onto a receiver and often forcing the ball to that guy. That’s how he ended up with 21 interceptions in 2023.

This was the biggest knock on him coming out of North Carolina in 2022.

Here is a sampling of what some top draft analysts said about Howell heading into that draft:

Dane Brugler (projected Round 2-3): “He is more of a see-it thrower and must develop his anticipation and read efficiency, but he is a confident passer with twitch in his delivery and arguably the best deep ball in the draft class. Overall, Howell needs to clean up his footwork and develop as a pocket passer, but he has NFL-quality arm strength, athleticism and work ethic and operates with a slow heartbeat. He projects as a low-end NFL starter, flashing similarities to Baker Mayfield.”

Daniel Jeremiah (ranked him 48th): “Howell is a thick, compact quarterback with excellent arm strength, toughness and athleticism. I love the urgency in his drop before he settles at the top of the pocket. He has a quick release and he can really power the ball outside the numbers and down the field.

“He has the ability to layer the ball accurately in the intermediate area of the field and he throws a beautiful, lofting deep ball. He has the athleticism to extend and create plays. He also has been effective on designed QB runs, bouncing off tackles and showing surprising burst in the open field.

“Howell does take too many sacks and tried to force too many throws (in 2021). However, his entire supporting cast left after the 2020 campaign and that had an impact on his production in 2021. Overall, he has NFL-starter ability.”

Rob Rang (ranked him 55th): “A quality deep-ball passer and better athlete than his critics suggest, Howell is viewed by some as the best mix of polish and potential of this year’s QB class.”

Supporting cast was an issue at North Carolina and Washington. If the Hawks can figure out how to put together a decent offensive line and if Howell will allow himself to be coached out of locking onto receivers and learn to read the field, he has a lot of potential. That’s what 2024 will be all about for him.

NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks, who once was a scout for the Hawks, told Seattle Sports 710: “I think it’s a great move for the Seattle Seahawks to get Sam. I think Sam is a player who needed a change of scenery. He obviously is talented enough to make plays and we’ve seen that throughout his time with the Commanders, but he needs an opportunity to be able to kind of do it with someone that fully believes in his talents. … I think he’s a perfect developmental prospect to put behind Geno (Smith); and, if he gets his opportunity, I think he’ll thrive and flourish in what is a new and changing culture with Mike Macdonald taking over.

In Washington, Brooks said, “I don’t know if their coaching staff necessarily put him in the best situations at all times. Now, I think you’ll see him have an opportunity to play at his best. If he is given an opportunity with the weapons that they have on the outside … and the running game and those things, I think he’ll have an opportunity to be a really, really good player.”

Smith has a $38 million cap hit in 2025, and – unless he leads them deep into the playoffs in 2024 — the Seahawks likely are hoping they don’t have to pay that. They can get back $25 million from Smith’s contract by trading him or cutting him. But they will have to have a better option at hand.

The Seahawks seem unlikely to add another quarterback this year as they coach up Howell. Then, in 2025, it all will depend on whether they think Howell can be the next Hasselbeck rather than the next Whitehurst.