The Seattle Seahawks have made another move to solidify their quarterback roster, agreeing to re-sign Drew Lock to a one-year deal. This news was reported by NFL Media, which stated that Lock’s new contract would be worth $4 million in 2022, with incentives that could raise it to $7.5 million for next season.
General manager John Schneider later confirmed the news on his Seattle radio show, stating that the team is excited to have Lock back as their backup quarterback. “We have a lot of confidence in Drew’s abilities, and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him,” Schneider said.
Lock was acquired from the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade involving Seahawks all-time passing leader, Russell Wilson. Last summer, he battled veteran Geno Smith for Seattle’s top QB spot, but Smith won the job and took every snap at the position. Lock’s only action with the Seahawks on the field was during the preseason, where he went 24 of 39 for 273 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
A second-round pick in 2019 out of Missouri, Lock showed promise by going 4-1 in five rookie starts for Denver, throwing seven touchdown passes while getting intercepted just three times. However, he lost 12 of his 16 starts over the following two seasons as his play was marked by inconsistency. He threw 15 passes picks in 2020, tied with Carson Wentz for most in the league.
Despite Lock’s struggles, the Seahawks believe that he has the potential to become a top quarterback in the league. With veteran Geno Smith returning on a three-year, $75 million deal after his surprising Pro Bowl campaign in 2022, Lock will continue to develop his skills as Seattle’s backup QB.
Barcelona can virtually clinch Liga title in decisive Clasico
Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona side can take a decisive step towards winning La Liga on Sunday — where a Clasico victory over Real Madrid would send them 12 points clear of the champions.
The Catalans have not won the Spanish title since Ernesto Valverde was at the helm in 2019 and expanding the gap on their bitter rivals in second would virtually clinch it. Madrid won the first La Liga Clasico 3-1 in October but Xavi’s side have vastly improved since then.
The coach is desperate to win the league title to validate the team’s growth, while for the club it would represent a swift return on their outlay last summer.
Despite their financial crisis, Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and other players by selling off future television rights in a move some blasted for gambling with the club’s future. Champions League group-stage elimination, followed by a Europa League knock-out by Manchester United, confirmed Barcelona still have a long way to go, but they have made significant progress.
Beating Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January in Saudi Arabia earned Xavi his first trophy as coach, and the performance was dominant. By contrast, when the teams met earlier March in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Madrid had the better of the game, but Barcelona still scraped a 1-0 win.