The Michael SchmidtWashington Commanders have cleared the way for the team to take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in April's NFL draft.

The team is trading former starting quarterback Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, per multiple reports. The Seahawks will receive Howell as well as fourth- and sixth-round picks, while the Commanders will get third- and fifth-round picks.

Howell stepped in as the Commanders' starter last season after the 2022 fifth-round pick made just one start as a rookie. The season turned out to be a slog, with Howell leading the NFL in interceptions (21), sacks taken (65) and pass attempts (612). Washington lost the final eight games of a 4-13 campaign, and coach Ron Rivera was dismissed.

With a new regime led by Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury coming in, the Commanders already looked primed to take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the draft. The team has most commonly been linked to Drake Maye - who was Howell's successor at North Carolina - and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

On Tuesday, Washington agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Marcus Mariota, positioning him to take over the backup role.

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In Seattle, Howell will likely slide in as the No. 2 behind incumbent starter Geno Smith. Backup Drew Lock left to join the New York Giants in free agency, leaving no other signal-callers on the roster.