Why and when Seahawks' Sam Howell could replace Geno Smith as starting QB

Seattle Seahawks insider Brady Henderson of ESPN suggested on Thursday that recently acquired quarterback Sam Howell could "push" veteran Geno Smith for the Seattle starting job during training camp and the preseason. 

Henderson elaborated on the situation for a piece published Friday. 

"Smith has two years remaining on his contract," Henderson explained. "As a result of his recent restructure, he's now set to count $38.5M against the 2025 salary cap, a hefty charge that Seattle would likely be reluctant to pay if Smith doesn't take a step forward in 2024. He ranked seventh in QBR (62.8) in 2022 when he made the Pro Bowl on the initial ballot and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He dropped to 14th (59.5) last season."

To compare, ESPN stats show that Howell finished this past regular season ranked 24th in the NFL among qualified players with a 42.4 adjusted QBR. 

Across 17 games with the Washington Commanders, he tossed 21 touchdown passes and a league-worst 21 interceptions. He attempted a league-high 612 passes and took more sacks (65) than any other quarterback. 

Such numbers may not scream "QB1" to fans, but they also tell only a portion of the story regarding what the Seahawks see in the 2022 fifth-round draft pick. 

"The Seahawks like his arm talent and ability to extend plays," Henderson noted about Howell. "They saw those traits up close when Howell threw for 312 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions during a three-point Seattle win over the Commanders in November."

Henderson indicated that the Seahawks will offer Smith, who turns 34 in October, a chance to show this fall he can be a "long-term answer" at the sport's most important position. 

However, Henderson added that Seattle ultimately "could give Howell a one-year trial run in 2025 and determine then if he's their starter or a bridge to their next one." 

Howell turns 24 years old in September. 

Henderson concluded Friday's piece by saying Smith is "the guy" in Seattle "for now." 

Smith is no stranger to having to prove himself, and it's no secret that Seattle could've moved on from the three-year contract he signed last offseason as soon as this past winter. 

History shows he'll be ready to compete with Howell this summer regardless of what anybody within the Seahawks is saying about the club's depth chart ahead of spring workouts.