Who is the back-up in Seattle?
In addition to improvements at guard, tight end and linebacker, the Seahawks also need a new quarterback.
Many supporters were repeatedly calling for Geno Smith to be replaced after each frustrating interception.
However, head coach Mike Macdonald seems certain the veteran will remain as Seattle’s starter for at least one more season. And rightly so.
The identity of his back-up remains a pressing concern, though.
Howell’s struggles
Seattle chose to move on from Drew Lock a year ago, despite his heroics in relief against Philadelphia in 2023.
The Seahawks instead traded for Washington quarterback Sam Howell.
His lone season as the Commanders’ starter was a mixed bag. Signs of promise were there, along with a long list of significant errors.
For Seattle this year, he was called into action against Green Bay when Geno Smith was injured.
Howell put on a disastrous performance – the kind which could prompt a franchise to move on from a player.
His dismal display highlighted just how impressive Geno Smith’s efforts have been behind a dodgy offensive line recently.
Moving Forward
Where do the Seahawks look next for their back-up/quarterback of the future if Howell is not up to the task?
This year’s draft does not provide any concrete solution.
Seattle will pick too late to choose Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart are the only other possibilities but both will require a lot of work to become NFL-ready.
They could instead go down the route of adding a cheap veteran for 2025, with one eye on drafting Geno’s replacement next year.
Who to choose?
A cost-effective option could be Carson Wentz. His MVP candidate days may be behind him at this point, but he remains a solid back-up.
Another intriguing path, with longer-term upside, lies in the trade market.
New England’s Joe Milton III is a big, mobile quarterback with a cannon for an arm. He would be a perfect fit to learn behind Smith for a year before taking the reins himself.
The Patriots may be willing to trade him for a late-round draft pick. The Seahawks should make that deal in a heartbeat.
