Just 12 Hours After Meeting With Colts GM, Seahawks Young Star Sam Howell Shocks NFL by Rejecting Indianapolis’ $42 Million Offer – “My Heart Belongs to Seattle”
Seattle, Washington – December 10, 2025
The NFL was hit with another major quarterback shock on Wednesday when Sam Howell — the young talent who has been revitalizing his career in Seattle — unexpectedly rejected a $42 million contract offer from the Indianapolis Colts, just 12 hours after a private meeting with GM Chris Ballard.
The Colts, desperate to secure a long-term answer at quarterback, had Howell at the top of their wishlist. With his stability, upside, and clear signs of growth in Seattle’s offensive system, Howell was considered one of the most attractive “value targets” available.

But the league’s expectations flipped instantly when Howell said no.
And it wasn’t just a rejection — it was a statement of loyalty that immediately reverberated across the NFL.
“Seattle believed in me when the world doubted me most,” Howell said with emotion. “My heart has belonged to the Seahawks from the moment they gave me a chance to rebuild myself. And as long as this team still wants me to fight, I’m not walking away — some dreams simply can’t be traded for money.”
Seahawks fans exploded across social media, calling it “a decision made by someone who understands the value of belief,” a rare moment in modern football where a young player chooses culture and loyalty over a lucrative contract.
Howell, 24, was once viewed as a “failed project” during his rocky time with the Washington Commanders. But under head coach Mike Macdonald and Seattle’s revamped offensive approach, he has revived his trajectory: more confident, more decisive, and increasingly trusted as a key piece behind Sam Darnold.
The Colts believed Howell could develop into their future QB1 — even viewing him as a safer long-term option than pursuing older veteran names. But Seattle offered something Indianapolis couldn’t: a true second chance and a place that feels like home.
While the Colts will now continue their search for a quarterback, Seattle walks away with a major off-field victory: keeping a young talent who is trending upward — secured not by money, but by trust.
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