December 16, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) goes to hand off the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at the Rogers Centre. Seattle defeated Buffalo 50-17. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It was just a year ago when Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn made a name for himself by throwing a franchise record six touchdown passes in the Packers win over the Detroit Lions in the final game of the 2011 season.

Today, it was announced by ESPN’s John Clayton that the Seattle Seahawks would not be retaining Flynn’s services for next season. Flynn was beaten out by former University of Wisconsin standout quarterback Russell Wilson in training camp and has been holding the clipboard ever since. Flynn was considered the number two free agent quarterback last spring behind only Peyton Manning and eventually signed a three-year deal worth $19.5 million. If retained by the Seahawks, Flynn would be due a $5.25 million deal next year and $6.25 million in the final year of the deal. That’s quite a bit for a backup quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, Wilson came out of nowhere last spring and summer and has continued to wow NFL opponents by winning games and consistently coming up with the big plays. His recent 4-touchdown performance in the Seahawks’ big win over the San Francisco 49ers have quieted critics who were seeing him as a flash in the pan. He is a serious candidate for Rookie of the Year and will be leading the Hawks into the NFL Playoffs.

As for Flynn, his meteoric rise was as fast as his descent. He started two games in his career with the Packers. His first came near the end of the the 2010 season when he nearly defeated the New England Patriots and his second came last year against the Lions when his efforts brought the Packers back from a deficit late in the game to give the Packers a win over the Detroit.

Many saw him as a valuable player who could lead any NFL team.

Now it looks like he could get the chance to do so once again as the Seahawks prepare to dump him and his salary. Where he ends up will be interesting. Many Packers fans who have seen him play only hope he stays out of the NFC North Division – some say him might see some interest from the Minnesota Vikings and possibly the Chicago Bears.

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