The Seattle Seahawks no longer have a need for a backup quarterback, but their move to acquire Sam Howell isn't likely to be one that attracts much praise.

Seattle, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, agreed a trade with the Washington Commanders for Howell, Washington's fifth-round pick of 2022 and the Commanders' starter last season.

The deal sees Seattle give up the 78th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft along with a fifth-rounder (152nd overall). In addition to Howell, the Seahawks are receiving a fourth-round pick (No. 102), a sixth-rounder (No. 179).

While that may prove to be an equal trade on some value charts, electing to trade a top-100 pick for a backup at a time when Seattle is looking to build a roster that can start to bridge the gap between the Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West is a highly questionable use of capital.

In reporting the trade, Schefter indicated Howell would compete with Geno Smith for the starting role. However, the Seahawks last month converted Smith's $9.6 million roster bonus into a singing bonus in a cap clearing move that served as a clear indication he is going to be the guy for at least 2024.

The numbers from their respective 2023 seasons also make any talk of a looming competition look misguided.

While Smith was not as impressive in his 2022 season in which he unexpectedly helped Seattle to the postseason, he still ranked 11th in completion percentage over expectation, per rbsdm.com, posting a CPOE of 2.4. Howell, by contrast was 20th with a CPOE of minus 0.4.

In Expected Points Added per play, Smith ranked 14th. Howell was 26th. EPA is more a reflection of offensive production as a whole, and Smith was in a much better position to succeed than Howell, but the gap was still stark. Though Howell is an exceptionally gifted quarterback with the movement skills and the arm to enjoy at least sporadic success at the highest level, there is no indication he brings more upside than Smith.

On throws of at least 21 air yards last season, Smith had a passer rating of 106.1, Howell's was 64. Smith is the more experienced, more accurate and, right now, higher upside quarterback. On top of that, he obviously has the substantial edge of already having a great rapport with Seattle's weapons. There is unlikely to be any real competition.

There is a case to be made having a high-end backup on the roster is extremely valuable. However, when a team has Seattle's variety of needs, with the interior of the offensive line, the defensive line and linebacker still significant problems, it is far from prudent to spend such a high-pick on a quarterback whose play has been exciting but erratic.

Most of Seattle's moves so far this offseason have made sense. This one is a head-scratcher.

Seattle Seahawks shore up offensive line by reuniting with a familiar face in latest free agency move

He’s back for a second spell.