Geno Smith Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

When the Seattle Seahawks acquired former Washington Commanders starting quarterback Sam Howell by way of a trade this offseason, many wondered if it was a sign that new Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wanted some competition for Geno Smith at the quarterback position and was considering starting Howell instead. But it does not sound like that’s the case, after all.

During a recent interview with NFL insider Tom Pelissero at the NFL’s annual league meetings, Mike Macdonald announced the team’s decision on Geno Smith, making it clear that he will be the team’s starting quarterback heading into the upcoming season even despite the addition of Sam Howell.

“l don’t,”  Macdonald said when asked if he saw a potential quarterback competition between Howell and Smith. “I’ve talked to Geno about it. Very confident in Geno. Geno’s going to be our starter. Sam (Howell) 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.”

Smith signed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season after winning the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award for his performance in 2022. We’ll have to see how he performs this upcoming season.

[Tom Pelissero]