In the heart of the Emerald City, a new drama unfolds as the Seattle Seahawks prepare for a seismic shift in their quarterback lineup. With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, whispers and rumors are beginning to swirl around the team’s quarterback room, hinting at a potential changing of the guard.
As we dive deeper into this narrative, the central figures emerge: veteran QB Geno Smith and the young gunman, Sam Howell. The Seahawks’ decision on who will lead the team as the starting quarterback is not just a tale of talent and performance but a story rich with strategic implications and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
The Veteran, Geno Smith’s Journey
Geno Smith, a name synonymous with resilience and determination, has carved his path through the NFL with a blend of skill and unwavering spirit. Geno Smith’s journey is nothing short of cinematic, highlighted by his remarkable comeback in 2022, where he ranked seventh in QBR (62.8), clinched a spot in the Pro Bowl on the initial ballot, and took home the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
However, the relentless wheel of the NFL never stops turning, and Smith’s drop to 14th in QBR (59.5) last season has stirred the waters in Seattle.
Despite two years remaining on his contract, with a looming $38.5M cap hit in 2025, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a crossroads. The organization must decide whether Smith’s recent performances are indicative of his future contributions or if it’s time to turn the page.
Brady Henderson of ESPN articulates this dilemma, suggesting that Smith’s future in Seattle Seahawks might hinge on his ability to demonstrate he is the “long-term answer” at quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks Excited About Rookie Sam Howell’s Potential
Enter Sam Howell, the young quarterback with an arm that commands attention and a knack for extending plays that have caught the eye of the Seahawks’ brass. Howell’s rookie season stats, including 21 touchdown passes and an equal number of interceptions, might not immediately jump off the page.
Yet, it’s the untold potential and raw talent that the Seahawks are banking on. Henderson notes, “The Seattle Seahawks like his arm talent and ability to extend plays,” a testament to Howell’s performance against the Commanders in November, where he threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns without a single interception.
Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith vs. Sam Howell Showdown
As the summer heat envelops the training fields, both Smith and Howell are poised for a showdown that could define the Seattle Seahawks’ future. Smith, no stranger to competition, understands the stakes are higher than ever.
With his 34th birthday approaching in October and the specter of a significant salary cap hit looming, the veteran quarterback knows that this could be his last chance to prove he is more than just a stopgap for the Seahawks.
#Seahawks Devon Witherspoon with one of the most insane pass defended EVER while defending #49ers' Brandon Aiyuk.
[🎥: NFL] pic.twitter.com/MgNj6I47UX
— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) March 24, 2024
On the other side, Sam Howell, with youth on his side, faces the monumental task of proving that his potential can translate into on-field success. At 24, Howell represents a new chapter for the Seattle Seahawks, a possibility of a future where dynamic plays and a fresh perspective rejuvenate the team’s offense.
Seattle Seahawks’ Quarterback Saga
As the 2024 NFL season draws near, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a pivotal juncture. The decision between Geno Smith and Sam Howell is more than a question of who takes the snaps under center; it’s a strategic choice that will shape the team’s identity and fortunes in the years to come.
While Geno Smith is “the guy” for now, according to Henderson, the Seattle Seahawks’ offseason activities and preseason performance will ultimately reveal who will lead the team onto the field. In the grand chessboard of the NFL, the Seahawks are poised to make a move that could echo through the annals of the league’s history.
Will it be the seasoned resilience of Geno Smith or the promising potential of Sam Howell? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback saga is a storyline that will captivate fans and analysts alike.
Sources: ESPN
