The Seattle Seahawks traded for a new quarterback, Sam Howell, and the current starting quarterback Geno Smith seems to support the deal. Shortly after the deal was announced, Smith shared again the NFL’s announcement of the deal with a brief message.
In a message dated March 14, 2024 on X, Smith expressed, “Baller! 🔥🔥”
Seahawks general manager John Schneider played down the possibility of a forthcoming quarterback competition. Schneider disclosed that Howell was brought in to be Smith’s backup.
“Geno is our guy and Sam will be supporting him,” Schneider told Seattle Sports’ “Wyman and Bob” during his regular radio show on March 14. “… (Howell) is a competitive guy … I’m sure there’s competition, but at the moment it’s not like we’re bringing him in to go and compete with Geno to be the starter.”
Seahawks News: Seattle Identifies Sam Howell as the Team’s Backup Quarterback
The situation has a slightly different vibe compared to simply signing a veteran backup quarterback. The Seahawks gave up third-round and fifth-round picks in the deal with the Washington Commanders. Essentially, it involves two one-round pick swaps, and Seattle also received a fourth rounder and sixth-round selections along with Howell in the trade.
Smith still has two more seasons remaining on a three-year, $75 million contract. Seattle had an opportunity to opt out of Smith’s contract this offseason but have chosen to retain the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
Howell has two seasons left on an economical four-year, $4 million rookie contract. The new Seahawks quarterback has only a $1.1 million cap hit for 2024.
Seahawks Rumors: Geno Smith’s Future Seems Less Certain Under Mike Macdonald Than Pete Carroll
Although the Seahawks may define Howell as the team’s QB2, Smith’s prospects are not as clear-cut as they were under head coach Pete Carroll. Howell represents a move for the future, but there will be pressure on Smith if he struggles at the beginning of the season.
“The Seahawks required another QB, particularly a young one with potential, after losing Drew Lock in free agency,” ESPN’s Brady Henderson remarked on X. “Enter Howell, who ranked 24th in Total QBR last season while throwing the ball a lot (league-high 612 attempts). He has two years left on his rookie deal.”
