Coach Mike Macdonald of the Seahawks Names the Starting QB Officially
Despite Sam Howell’s recent trade acquisition from the Washington Commanders, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald says that Geno Smith is the team’s official starting quarterback for the next campaign.
Macdonald stated, “I’ve talked to Geno about it,” according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Extremely assured of Geno. We’re going to start Geno. Although Sam (Howell) is a fantastic young player with a very promising future that we believe in, he is aware that he will be our backup.”
The notion of a quarterback battle was naturally raised by Howell’s presence and the new Macdonald administration, but it never seemed conceivable that an experienced player like Smith would be unseatable by Howell before Smith’s first season in Seattle.
Howell, 23, was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and participated in all 17 games for Washington last season. With 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, he completed 388 of 612 passes. Despite showing several encouraging moments, Howell led the league in sacks taken (65) and interceptions.
Howell may benefit greatly from a year of training with Smith, particularly if the Seahawks believe he can lead the team as quarterback after Geno.