Seahawks' Geno Smith Rips Sam Howell QB1 Battle Rumor: 'U Just Made This BS Up'

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith on Thursday dismissed rumors that he will be competing for his starting job with former Washington Commanders signal-caller Sam Howell this fall.

Smith earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod last season in his second campaign as the Seahawks' starter, during which he threw for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Howell most recently threw for 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions through 17 starts in an up-and-down second season with Washington. He, like Smith, is signed through the 2025 season.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider brought up Howell when asked Tuesday about the team's future plans at the quarterback position.

"I can't tell you what our long-term plan is because I honestly don't know, but Sam is a huge part of it because we made a major trade to get Sam before we got here," Schneider said, per Seahawks.com's John Boyle.

That doesn't mean that Howell will get any starts this fall if Smith is available, however. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed in March that Smith will be Seattle's starter:

Last season Smith played in front of Drew Lock, who struggled in two appearances made in relief. The Seahawks now seem to be hoping they've found a more reliable backup in Howell.