I have a theory on Mcdowell. This is purely speculation based on what little has or has not been reported about his incident.
I don't think he had an ATV accident that impaired his ability to play football.
There were zero details released on anything other than "ATV accident". That's all we were ever told. Nothing from the team nor his party.
In the few photos that were released months later he appears to have absolutely no signs of trauma to his head/face. Could be that he healed and damage was internal. But it's worth noting.
I don't remember the reporter (bob condotta?), but about a year ago one of the morning shows had a reporter on to discuss Mcdowell. He said he did some digging in his hometown and could not find a single record of this incident taking place. There was no police report, no hospital records, no hearsay. Not a single indicator of this ATV accident occurring.
Couple this with how incredibly tight-lipped the organization has been about it. Perhaps the Seahawks were never given full medical access to McDowell and in turn suspected the same. Or perhaps they were and discovered he was fine but he insisted otherwise. The situation would have been too embarrassing for the organization. Thus from our perspective the situation has unfolded as it has.
When you also consider his outstandingly poor interviews, his totally underwhelming phone call with John, along with his poor motor and taking plays off and college, It really adds up.
I flat out think he may have gotten paid huge money, didn't want to play football anymore, and weaseled his way out.