Seahawks' Smith: 'I've got everything to prove' in 2024

Even though Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has quashed any potential for a quarterback competition between Geno Smith and Sam Howell, Smith isn't taking anything for granted.

"New coaching staff, old coaching staff, I've got everything to prove," Smith said Wednesday, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

He added: "I'm competing with everybody in this building to be the best that I can be, so I really don't approach it any other way."

Speculation began regarding a possible battle for Seattle's starting quarterback job after the Seahawks traded for Howell last month. However, Macdonald confirmed later in March that Smith will be the starter heading into training camp.

The 33-year-old Smith didn't have a smooth season last year after an impressive 2022 campaign. He went 8-7 in 15 starts during 2023 while throwing only 20 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Seattle can move on from Smith with little salary ramifications next offseason when he has no guaranteed money on the three-year, $75-million contract he signed last March.

Despite his desire to prove himself, Smith praised Howell, who threw for 21 touchdowns and a league-leading 21 interceptions across 17 starts for the Washington Commanders last year.

"I'm very impressed with Sam," Smith said.

He added: "You can tell he's a hard worker. You can tell he's competitive, and he wants to learn, and he asks the right questions in the meeting room. Obviously, he's a guy who has played games in the NFL, and he's done well."

Smith has 14,823 passing yards with 84 touchdowns and 57 interceptions in 77 career contests.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.