The Seattle Seahawks are in an interesting position when it comes to quarterback Matt Flynn, as three teams have started to show interest in the quarterback after the market cooled for some time, giving the team the chance to make a deal as the NFL draft approaches.
According to ESPN.com, CBS Sports is reporting that the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars have all expressed interest in making a deal, although progress has been slow. Although the Jets weren't mentioned in the rumors, there is a chance that both sides could benefit, as Pete Carroll is known for his out of the box thinking and the Jets would like to get rid of Tebow while getting something in return rather than releasing him. (UPDATE: the Raiders have made their play for Flynn).
Flynn originally signed a three-year, $19.5-million deal with the team before last season, but Russell Wilson was way better in training camp, giving Carroll the chance to make his first big but crazy looking choice to start him over Flynn. The plan worked to perfection, as the Seahawks went 11-5 and are now looked at as a Super Bowl contender after trading for Percy Harvin.
Flynn thought he had the chance to start, but instead was totally relegated to the bench, barely getting any time on the field. The Seahawks will take a $4 million cap hit if they trade him and Tim Tebow is making $1.055 million in base salary next season after originally signing a five year $33 million contract in 2010, meaning that the money could line up.
Flynn doesn't have much experience starting, but he could be an upgrade for the Jets over Mark Sanchez or David Garrard, as he threw for over 475 yards and had six touchdowns in a start while with the Green Bay Packers, where he served as Aaron Rodgers' backup. Flynn is on Oakland's radar since general manager Reggie McKenzie was previously with the team when the quarterback was there and could decide he is the perfect bridge option for someone like Geno Smith.
The free agent quarterback market is bare after Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Hasselbeck and Jason Campbell all signed, leaving Kevin Kolb as the biggest name out there. Flynn is a better option since he is younger and although he doesn't have much starting experience, he has proven he can play in the NFL.
Carroll is known for making unorthodox moves and he could see Tebow as an intriguing backup for Wilson, as he could come in a be used as a special option, much in the way the Jets planned, but never used. Tebow gained 102 yards rushing and 39 yards passing last season while scoring zero touchdowns, but the Jets never game him a chance to succeed.
If Tebow and Flynn are dealt, they both will have to prove themselves and that could motivate each player to have a fantastic season in 2013. A trade for Flynn would shake up the top of the draft as well, as both the Jaguars and Raiders have worked out Geno Smith and depending on who drafts him could point to where Flynn will end up.
