Seahawks Free Agent Primer: What's Next For QB Drew Lock?

Failing to beat out Geno Smith for the starting quarterback gig, Drew Lock spent the entirety of his first season with the Seattle Seahawks on the sidelines. What does the future hold for the former second-round pick?

On the heels of a surprising 9-8 season that culminated in an unexpected playoff berth, the Seattle Seahawks have plenty of roster questions to address heading into another important offseason as they continue their quest back to Super Bowl contention.

When the new league year opens on March 15, Seattle will have 23 players scheduled to hit the market as unrestricted free agents. Three players will be restricted free agents and five will be exclusive rights free agents, while several other key veterans such as linebacker Uchenna Nwosu will be entering the final season of their respective deals ready to negotiate extensions.

Over the next several weeks, we'll break down each and every one of the Seahawks' unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2022 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, breaking down an ideal contract and making an early prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2023.

Following a quiet first season in the Pacific Northwest, Drew Lock faces an uncertain future as an NFL quarterback. What are the chances he will be back in Seattle in 2023?

Season In Review

Acquired as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade from the Denver Broncos, Lock engaged in an offseason battle for Seattle's starting quarterback job against Geno Smith. Unfortunately, with him already trailing in the competition midway through training camp, he contracted COVID-19 and missed a critical exhibition game, paving the way for Smith to be named starter after the preseason finale. Though he dressed for all 17 games, the former second-round pick didn't see a single snap on the field in his first season with the Seahawks as Smith played every offensive snap.

Why Seattle Should Re-Sign Him

As he did in his first three seasons in Denver, Lock tantalized with his immense arm talent and underrated athleticism on the practice field and during exhibition games in August. He made a handful of ridiculous throws in preseason play, including a filthy deep ball touchdown to Penny Hart in the finale against the Cowboys, and displayed a penchant for extending plays outside of the pocket and creating with his legs.

Putting the work in at practice, Lock left a positive impression on Pete Carroll and the rest of the coaching staff over the course of the season. With Smith heading towards free agency himself, if the Seahawks can't reach an agreement with the Pro Bowler on a new contract, the organization may feel good enough about him running Shane Waldron's system to bring him back as a potential bridge starter in 2023.

Why Seattle Should Let Him Walk

Since arriving in the NFL out of Missouri, Lock has been plagued by questionable decision making and that chronic issue reared its ugly head again in the preseason, helping make the choice to roll with Smith an easy one for Carroll and company. In his final dress rehearsal in Dallas, he uncorked multiple ugly interceptions on ill-advised throws, including telegraphing one to cornerback Nashon Wright that looked like backyard pitch and catch. Picked off three times in the game, he hasn't been able to curb his gunslinging tendencies enough to inspire confidence as a starter.

Only 26 years old, Lock offers enough starting experience from his time with the Broncos that the cost to retain him may exceed what Seattle is willing to pay for a backup. If he's seeking much more than league minimum without playing time incentives, the team may not have enough flexibility to keep him.

Ideal Contract

One year, $2.5 million

Prediction

Ever since orchestrating the Wilson trade with the Broncos, Carroll and general manager John Schneider have sung Lock's praises as a viable starting NFL quarterback. In terms of physical tools, he has the arm strength, athleticism, and play making savvy to be a quality starter in the league and he still remains young enough to turn things around in the right situation. If Smith prices out of Seattle's plans, the team could do far worse than turning to him as part of the contingency plan.

With that said, Lock's primary shortcoming as a turnover machine runs counter against one of Carroll's main philosophies protecting the football. Assuming Smith re-signs as anticipated, he won't have an opportunity to compete for a starting job again in Seattle and with former quarterbacks coach Dave Canales taking over as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator, at least one situation looks far better for his prospects in 2023 and it would be surprising if both players returned next season.

Previous Seahawks Free Agent Primers

Rashaad Penny | Poona Ford | Austin Blythe | Cody Barton | Geno Smith | Bruce Irvin | Phil Haynes | Marquise Goodwin | Nick Bellore | Travis Homer

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