All through the 2024 offseason, indicators have pointed to Geno Smith remaining atop the Seahawks’ quarterback depth chart for no less than yet one more yr. New head coach Mike Macdonald provided a agency endorsement of the veteran on Saturday.
Seattle misplaced backup Drew Lock to the Giants in a transfer which – not like what Seahawks basic supervisor GM John Schneider indicated – units him up for an additional QB2 position. To fill the emptiness, the group traded for 2022 Commanders draftee Sam Howell. The latter served as Washington’s starter final season, however the group’s new entrance workplace and training workers is ready to draft a alternative subsequent month. Howell’s upside led some to consider he may problem for the No. 1 position, however Macdonald stated that won’t be the case for now.
When requested if he anticipates a contest throughout an interview with NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero, Macdonald stated, “l don’t. I’ve talked to Geno about it. Very assured in Geno. Geno’s going to be our starter. Sam is aware of he’s going to be our backup, however Sam is a good younger participant, and he’s obtained a very vivid future that we consider in.”
Seattle had a window of alternative to commerce Smith given the timing of bonuses in his contract. The group allowed his base wage to change into totally assured, nonetheless, and transformed a roster bonus right into a signing bonus in strikes that advised the 33-year-old would keep on because the starter. Smith has held that position for the previous two seasons, and he earned Comeback Participant of the Yr honors after delivering a Professional Bowl efficiency in 2022.
Smith skilled a statistical downturn final yr, (though his league-leading 5 game-winning drives produced one other Professional Bowl invite), and after falling wanting the postseason the Seahawks have undergone a large change with Pete Carroll now not on the sidelines. Macdonald might be tasked with overseeing a step ahead on protection, however the Seahawks’ passing assault specifically might be price watching on the opposite facet of the ball. Smith will work with the first-team offense throughout the offseason as Macdonald begins his head teaching profession.
Two years stay on Smith’s contract – the $75M pact he secured after his profitable run in 2022. Howell’s rookie contract additionally runs by way of 2025, so the Seahawks may have time to type out their QB association shifting ahead. Whereas the latter tasks as having increased upside given his age and play throughout elements of final season, it is going to be the previous on the helm when the offseason program and, later, coaching camp begins.
