Earlier this month, the Seattle Seahawks acquired former Washington Commanders starting quarterback Sam Howell from Washington. But even though Howell started last season, it does not sound like he will be competing for the starting quarterback job in Seattle.
During a recent interview with NFL insider Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, new Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was asked whether or not he expected there to be a competition for the team’s starting quarterback role. And he made it clear that there would be no competition and Smith will be moving forward as the team’s starting quarterback.
“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.”
This is obviously a significant announcement from Macdonald, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media as a result.
i don’t know why anyone would be shocked at this statement. https://t.co/2z9EOEqkHw
— Tanner (@TannerCaraco) March 23, 2024
Good! The "grass might be greener" people are never going to see enough to change their minds but I love Geno and I think he's easily the best option available https://t.co/W1FKoTWcCM
— notable head coach haver (@wrongopinionman) March 23, 2024
Translation:
“Not going to be a competition but Howell will get some starts if things go poorly with Geno.” https://t.co/SHROYni8nj
— Ian Vanroy (@IvanroyFootball) March 23, 2024
well that would make sense considering Geno is at least two tiers better than Howell https://t.co/Wr78sK7LKL
— Colesen Sheaffer (@slaw_fb) March 23, 2024
Good. That ends that discussion right up until the first incomplete pass that has people clamoring for Howell… https://t.co/6Eev6hq0N4
— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) March 23, 2024
First time Macdonald has definitively endorsed Geno as starter. https://t.co/Ez3wpSjHEC
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 23, 2024
We’ll have to see how Smith performs in his third season as the team’s starting quarterback.

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