The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a major roster move when they decided to trade for Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders. It made sense for all parties involved: the Seahawks needed a backup QB, while the Commanders will likely use their pick in the 2024 Draft to select either Drake Maye or Jayden Williams.
However, there are talks among NFL circles that Howell has a chance to compete for the starting QB job. Due to Geno Smith’s inconsistency in 2023, some thought that this was a declaration of intent from the organization that they could replace Smith whenever they wanted.
The Seahawks wanted to put those rumors to rest by making their plans for the QB room in 2024 clear.
The Seattle Seahawks will stick with Geno Smith as QB1, Howell as backup
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Spun’s Kameron Duncan wrote about how the Seattle Seahawks see the dynamic between the man they just brought in and the journeyman QB who made his mark on the team in 2022.
To them, it’s clear that Smith is still their go-to QB when the season starts:
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Seahawks GM John Schneider said “Geno is the guy and Sam will be backing him up.”
The Seahawks appear to be set on Geno Smith for at least a few more years following his resurgence as a starting quarterback.
Smith bet on himself when the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson, earning the starting job and leading the Seahawks to the playoffs in a season where the team was expected to be among the worst in the NFL.
He’ll now continue as the franchise leader as it enters a new era without longtime head coach Pete Carroll.
Schneider also claimed that multiple teams were interested in trading for Sam Howell, which implies the quality he can bring to the QB room.
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The fifth-round selection in the 2022 Draft had a decent season as the Commanders’ starting QB. He threw for 3946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Meanwhile, Smith had an okay season at 3624 passing yards, 20 TDs, and nine picks.
With the Seattle Seahawks sticking with Smith, Howell can only focus on developing behind him and waiting for an opportunity to get some reps in.
