The Seattle Seahawks are making big changes to their roster before the 2024 NFL season. While quarterback Geno Smith is expected to start, Seattle needs a new backup.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed on Tuesday, March 12 that quarterback Drew Lock was signing with the New York Giants. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lock agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal.
One person who’s excited to see Lock join the Giants is his wife, Natalie Lock. After the news broke, Natalie posted a passionate message of support.
“I’ll see you soon NY,” Natalie wrote on her Instagram Stories. “So proud of you babe.” She also added in another post, “Ny Football Giants. Let’s Go!”
@natalielock/InstagramNatalie Lock celebrates husband Drew Lock’s new contract.
After dating for several years, Lock and Natalie got married in April 2023 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. On January 15, the couple welcomed their first child, Layton Andrew. Natalie posted on Instagram, “The sweetest little boy is finally in our arms & we are so in love! Our hearts are forever full🤍.. & to make this day even more special, he arrived on my grandma’s birthday. Our biggest blessing!”
Lock, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, moved to Seattle in the big Russell Wilson trade. Under new head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are making significant changes to their roster. Lock isn’t the only offensive player to leave this offseason.
Seattle also bid farewell to tight ends Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson, running back DeeJay Dallas, and guard Damien Lewis.
Drew Lock Regrets Not Being the Starting QB in Seattle
GettyFormer Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023.
Before Smith was named as the starter before the 2022 NFL season, Lock was a legitimate contender to be QB1. However, he unfortunately got COVID, “which severely hurt his chances” of earning the starting job, per SI. “Smith was likely already the favorite to land the starting job, but Lock’s absence and Smith’s effective play all but sealed the deal.”
Before the 2023 NFL season, Lock made his Lumen Field debut during the preseason. “First game here as a Seahawk in my career,” he said. “I’ve never walked out there in a Seahawks uniform and played a snap. I had a blast. The 12s were definitely in effect… Overall, it felt great. To be playing football again. It’s weird when you go a whole year without taking a snap.”
With Smith dealing with bruised triceps and groin injury, Lock made two starts in 2023. During the Seahawks’ 28-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Lock completed 22-of-31 passes for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. In Seattle’s 20-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he completed 22-of-33 passes for 208 yards and 1 score.
Lock had an 8-13 record as a quarterback with the Broncos. In 24 games and 21 starts, the Missouri alum completed 59.3% of passes for 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, many teams were interested in signing the 27-year-old quarterback. With the Giants, he’s joining the team as a backup. “New York is hopeful [starter] Daniel Jones is full-go by camp,” Jones posted. “Giants are also able to draft a QB with their first-round pick.”
The Seahawks are being encouraged to acquire Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, but they might also pick a QB in the draft.
It's not clear how the Seahawks will replace Lock after his departure. There have been rumors that Seattle might choose a new quarterback in the 2024 NFL.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson posted on Tuesday, “The likelihood of Seattle drafting a QB, which was already high, has now increased. There are still experienced players available to be QB2 behind Geno Smith, but they saw Lock as having the potential to be a starting player. With uncertainty about Smith’s long-term future, they need a possible successor and not just a typical backup.”
However, ESPN’s Louis Riddick urged the Seahawks to trade for Chicago Bears former first-rounder, Justin Fields. Riddick encouraged the Seahawks to acquire Justin Fields, stating, “I have been saying it all day. You have one QB on the roster. Let him compete.”
As the trade price for Fields continues to decrease, CBS Sports’ Zach Gelb also advised Seattle to pursue Fields. The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov also urged the Seahawks to consider the trade, but noted that they have not shown “serious interest.”
