Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has had enough.
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to deny a rumor posted that said Smith is on unsteady ground after the trade acquisition of Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders. The rumor suggested that Seattle’s situation is similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ one, where they would turn to Justin Fields if Russell Wilson falters.
The post implies that if Smith falters, the Seahawks would turn to Howell.
Unsurprisingly, the 33-year-old quarterback quickly dismissed that idea.
“U just made this BS up,” Smith wrote on Thursday, May 2. “Media is full of liars it’s so crazy!”
Geno Smith Has Been Top QB Over Past 2 Seasons
Smith has been the team’s starting quarterback over the past two seasons following Seattle’s trade of their longtime quarterback, Wilson. Despite previously being a backup in Seattle and for most of his NFL career, Smith has emerged as a productive starter, earning Pro Bowl bids in each of the past two seasons.
In fact, Smith has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, ranking fourth in completion percentage and sixth in touchdowns, completions and passing yards. His record has also been decent, with a 17-15 record as a starter since 2022.
However, Smith did decline last season after having a Comeback Player of the Year season in 2022. His numbers across the board decreased, from touchdowns, passing yards, completions to passer rating. Additionally, the Seahawks missed the playoffs last season after securing a postseason spot in 2022.
Why Seahawks Could Turn to Sam Howell
Adding more fuel to the fire is the fact that Seattle is under new management. Former longtime head coach Pete Carroll previously coached Smith and named him the starter following Wilson’s departure. However, he’s no longer the head coach and Mike Macdonald is now in charge.
It also doesn’t help that it took a while for Macdonald to name Smith the starter for the 2024 season. He did not commit to Smith as the starter until early March.
“The first thing that I want you to know, and everybody to know, is that as an organization we’re always looking, we’re always trying to figure out what’s best for the team all the time,” Macdonald said, via Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic back in March. “We’re always going to try to make the best decisions for the team. I’m excited for Geno to come in here and start playing and start working and meet coach – I mean, he’s met Coach Grubb – but to get with Ryan and get with [QB coach] Charles [London] and to go to work. I don’t want you to feel like I’m dodging this answer but that’s what I’m excited about, for him to come in here and start to build this team the way we envision building it.”
It’s also worth noting that Seahawks general manager John Schneider indicated that Howell is part of the team’s long-term plans.
Via Gregg Bell is a reporter for The News Tribune.:
Schneider admitted uncertainty about the long-term plan after the draft on April 27. He emphasized the significance of Sam in the plan due to a major trade made to acquire him before the draft.
The 23-year-old Howell, in his first season as a starting quarterback, started all 17 games, threw 21 touchdowns, and scored six rushing touchdowns. However, he faced a league-high 65 sacks and had 21 interceptions.
Smith will start as the quarterback for 2024. If his performance declines during the season, there is a possibility that Seattle will turn to Howell to assess the young quarterback's potential.
