The market for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn could finally be heating up after remaining lukewarm so far this offseason.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the most likely destination for the Seahawks backup quarterback to end up if he’s traded this offseason. The Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills are also expressing interest.
New Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley is familiar with Flynn as he served as the Seahawks defensive coordinator prior to being hired in Jacksonville. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie was with Flynn in Green Bay and is aware of his abilities as well. Buffalo traded for another Seahawks quarterback last year in Tarvaris Jackson late in the preseason to serve as backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Seattle has expressed their willingness to keep Flynn as a backup next season despite his large contract. With starter Russell Wilson on a rookie third round contract for another two seasons, Seattle isn’t in a position where Flynn’s contract is a burden to their salary cap this season. Despite the offseason acquisitions of Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, the Seahawks are still around $6 million under the salary cap for next season.
“Our primary salary cap model included [Flynn] for the season and that’s a heck of a number two to have,” general manager John Schenider said in an interview with the Mitch in the Morning show on Sports Radio KJR in Seattle on Tuesday. "...The salary cap now with the CBA, the way things work with not being able to re-do [rookie contracts] for three years, we’re very much at peace with that situation.”
However, Seattle would be willing to trade Flynn if the right deal presents itself. The problem for Seattle will be finding that deal. With Flynn carrying a cap number of $7.25 million for next season, it will be difficult for the Seahawks to find a team willing to give them a valuable draft pick in return. If that’s the case and they can’t get the compensation they are seeking, Seattle may benefit more from keeping Flynn on the roster to serve as the backup to Wilson in what they hope will be a Super Bowl run next season.