Seattle Seahawks head coach, Mike Macdonald, has ruled out the possibility of a quarterback competition, confirming Geno Smith as his starting pick.
Mike Macdonald doesn’t foresee a QB competition, calling Geno Smith the starter. https://t.co/TJwi2bwHl0
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 24, 2024
“l don’t,” Macdonald told Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. “I’ve talked to Geno about it. Very confident in Geno. Geno’s going to be our starter. Sam knows he’s going to be our backup, but Sam is a great young player, and he’s got a really bright future that we believe in.”
With an inconsistent record of five starts in seven seasons from 2015-2021, Smith’s journey has been challenging.
Nevertheless, his resilience has paid off, replacing Russell Wilson in 2022 after defeating Drew Lock and seizing the starting role.
The 2015 third round pick has displayed a promising performance in the last two seasons. As a starter, Smith’s record is 17-15, which includes 50 touchdowns against 20 interceptions.
“That resonates with a lot of our stories, having gone through a lot of trials and tribulations and finding his stride here in the last few years,” Macdonald said of Smith. “And then going against him, obviously his track record the last couple years and the stats he’s been able to put up, his poise, his leadership, obviously his capability throwing the football, and our relationship is just getting started to grow.”
Former backup QB Drew Lock left the Seahawks during free agency. Following his exit, he landed a unique opportunity to compete for the starting position with the New York Giants.
The Seahawks dealt away third-round and fifth-round picks for Sam Howell, in exchange for fourth- and sixth-rounders.
With excellent performances for Washington last season, there were initial rumors of him vying for the starting position.
Howell started all 17 games for Washington in the last season, achieving 21 touchdowns. However, his stat of 21 interceptions, the highest in the league, remains a concern.
Despite his potential, Howell will have to wait his turn. While the Seahawks appreciate his talent, Coach Macdonald’s recent declarations confirm that Howell’s opportunity to lead the team from the front remains in the future.
