The Seattle Seahawks have been in a secure position with their quarterback for much of the past decade, largely thanks to Russell Wilson. Wilson was a reliable and exceptional player, making the quarterback position one of the team’s strengths. However, after Wilson’s departure, questions arose about how the Seahawks would address this crucial role. Geno Smith stepped up and led the team to the playoffs in his first season as a starter, and although the Seahawks narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023, his performance was commendable. Despite Smith’s success, doubts lingered about his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.
With the 2023 season approaching, many expected the Seahawks to draft a quarterback, given the promising pool of talent available. However, General Manager John Schneider and his team opted for a different strategy, as explained in a segment of “The Insiders.” Schneider emphasized their interest in Sam Howell’s potential. “We really like Sam’s upside a lot. You know, he started 18 games, has been a productive player in this league, and we really like his swag,” Schneider said. This statement refers to the Seahawks’ acquisition of Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders. Howell, who was the Commanders’ starter throughout the 2023 season, brought valuable experience despite the team’s struggles.
Currently, Howell is the second quarterback on the depth chart, with Smith still holding the starting position. However, Schneider and his staff seem confident in Howell’s abilities, indicating that he could step in if Smith’s performance falters.
The 2023 season saw significant changes for the Washington Commanders, including a major front-office shake-up. Longtime owner Daniel Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris and his group, which features NBA legend Magic Johnson. This new ownership aimed to revitalize the franchise and boost fan engagement, but with limited time to make impactful changes, the 2023 season ended in disappointment. The Commanders finished with a 4-13 record, placing last in the NFC East.
Sam Howell, who had high expectations placed on him, struggled throughout the season and was eventually traded to the Seahawks for a fresh start. Despite being the backup to veteran Geno Smith, Howell has an opportunity to learn from the two-time Pro Bowler. Howell himself remains uncertain about his specific role in Seattle, as he shared with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “Honestly, not much. They just tell me to keep working and just keep trying to get better every single day and I’m taking it one day at a time and I really don’t worry too much about the future or what plans they might have for me just because nobody really knows. I think you just got to take it one day at a time and do the best you can and see what happens.”
Howell’s challenging season with the Commanders might be a stepping stone to a more favorable situation in Seattle. The Seahawks boast one of the most talented receiving corps in the league, providing a supportive environment for Howell to develop. With Geno Smith aging, Howell might soon have a chance to prove himself as a worthy successor.
In summary, the Seahawks’ decision to trade for Sam Howell reflects their strategic approach to securing their future at the quarterback position. While Geno Smith remains the starter, Howell’s acquisition signifies the team’s forward-thinking mindset. Howell’s previous struggles with the Commanders could be mitigated by Seattle’s strong offensive support, offering him a fresh opportunity to grow and potentially lead the team in the future.
