Now that Alex Smith is off the market, it is Matt Flynn's turn.
Thanks to the reported pending trade of quarterback Alex Smith from San Francisco to Kansas City, the Seahawks now have value parameters for any potential deal regarding their backup quarterback.
The 49ers reportedly will get the Chiefs' second-round pick this year and a conditional pick in 2014 that could be as high as a second.
That price rivals what Arizona gave up for Kevin Kolb in 2011: cornerback Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick.
Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, has a lot more experience than Flynn and has played very well over his last 26 games: 20-5-1 record with 32 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and a 95.6 passer rating.
Flynn has two starts to his name, but both were very good. Any team trading for him obviously would be doing so based on the potential he showed in his starts against New England in 2010 (24 of 37 for 251 yards, three TDs and one interception) and against Detroit in 2011 (31 of 44 for 480 yards, six TDs and one pick). That is rock-solid potential, and Flynn will be just 28 next season.
You can argue whether the Chiefs overpaid for Smith, but there is no debate over whether Smith is worth more in trade than Flynn. He is. But the Hawks have to be happy that the 49ers got a good deal for Smith -- it means they can expect a decent return in any deal for Flynn.
We've previously said that Seattle should not accept less than a third-rounder for Flynn -- or perhaps they could take a fourth and a conditional pick in 2014.
The Smith deal does not change that thought.
What the Smith deal probably will change is Matt Cassel's NFL address.
Cassel figures to join the market, as long expected. As for how and whether he affects interest in Flynn, the question will be: Do teams think Cassel or Flynn has the better upside?
Cassel has been largely underwhelming for the Chiefs, completing just 57.3 percent of his passes, with 59 TD passes and 44 interceptions in 48 games.
Jacksonville and the Jets are looking for competition at the QB spot. Would they prefer Cassel or Flynn?
Of course, Flynn would cost a draft pick and $5.25 million in 2013 salary, which might factor in unless the Jaguars or Jets are convinced he should be their guy.
Considering the Seattle ties to both of those teams -- GM John Idzik in New York and coach Gus Bradley in Jacksonville -- and the fact that both teams will run the West Coast offense, the odds still seem pretty decent that the Hawks might make a deal with one of them.
Now that Smith is off the market, it is Flynn's turn.
Comments