Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald 'Very Confident' in Geno Smith as QB1 Over Sam Howell

There won't be a quarterback competition in Seattle to start the 2024 season.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters that he does not envision a battle among his signal-callers during training camp, adding that veteran Geno Smith will start over Sam Howell.

"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," Macdonald said.

This is a change in stance from Macdonald, who indicated to reporters earlier this month that he would keep his options open at quarterback in 2024.

"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. "We're always going to try to make the best decisions for the team."

Smith has been in Seattle since 2020, and he took over as the team's starting quarterback in 2022. He agreed to a new three-year contract worth $105 million in March 2023.

The 33-year-old had an impressive 2022 season, completing 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 17 games en route to being named the Comeback Player of the Year and earning a Pro Bowl selection.

Smith's numbers were also solid in 2023 as he threw for 3,624 yards and 20 touchdowns against nine interceptions, but the Seahawks finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.

A quarterback competition was expected for 2024 when the Seahawks acquired Howell in a trade with the Washington Commanders this month. ESPN's Brady Henderson reported this week that "one Seahawks source said he thinks Howell has the talent and drive to push Smith for the starting job."

However, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has also clarified that Howell will be the backup in 2024.

Howell served as Washington's starter in 2023, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns against 21 interceptions in 17 games. He showed flashes of potential as a starter but ultimately needs more time to grow.

If Smith struggles in 2024, Howell could get the chance to start, but it appears that will have to wait.