Seattle Seahawks helmet Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

When the Seattle Seahawks brought in former Washington Commanders starting quarterback Sam Howell this offseason, there were some who thought that there was a chance that Howell could push Geno Smith for the team’s starting quarterback role. But it does not sound like that will be the case.

During a recent interview with NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Seattle Seahawks new head coach Mike Macdonald made it very clear that Geno Smith will be the team’s starter even despite the addition of Howell. When asked whether he expected there to be a competition for the team’s starting quarterback role, he shut down that idea pretty firmly.

“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.”

The Seahawks signed Smith to a new contract before the 2023 season and it’s clear they are committed to him for the upcoming season and beyond. But Howell will be a capable backup for the team.

[Tom Pelissero]