The Seattle Seahawks have experienced a rollercoaster of quarterback play in recent years, transitioning from Russell Wilson’s departure to Geno Smith’s surprising resurgence as a reliable starter. But now, as the Seahawks look to the future, Sam Howell has taken over as their starting quarterback, marking a new chapter for the franchise. While Smith’s veteran presence provided stability, Howell’s arrival brings hope for the future, as Seattle seeks a new leader capable of taking the team to the next level. Here’s what fans should know about Sam Howell stepping in for Geno Smith as the Seahawks’ new signal-caller.
Before discussing Howell’s potential impact, it’s important to acknowledge what Geno Smith achieved during his time as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback. Smith, who was originally drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, spent much of his career as a backup, bouncing between different teams. After years in obscurity, he revitalized his career in Seattle, taking over the starting role when Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
In the 2022 season, Smith surprised many by performing at a high level, leading the Seahawks to a playoff appearance and earning himself a Pro Bowl nod. His accurate passing, leadership, and ability to manage the offense gave the Seahawks a competitive edge. Smith’s comeback story is one of perseverance and hard work, and his legacy in Seattle will always be remembered as a steadying force during a time of transition.
However, Smith’s tenure as the starting quarterback was always seen as a stopgap solution. At 33 years old, his future with the Seahawks was never guaranteed beyond a few seasons. The Seahawks were aware of the need to find a long-term successor, and that’s where Sam Howell comes in.
Sam Howell’s path to becoming the Seahawks’ starting quarterback is an intriguing one. Howell was a standout at the University of North Carolina, where he showcased his arm strength, poise, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. Known for his toughness and leadership on the field, Howell set several school records during his college career, including passing yards and touchdown passes. His impressive college resume had him projected as a high NFL draft pick early in his collegiate career.
However, Howell’s draft stock fluctuated leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was ultimately selected in the fifth round by the Washington Commanders. Despite the drop in draft position, Howell’s talent was never in question. Many analysts believed he had the potential to develop into a quality starting quarterback, given the right circumstances.
After spending a season learning in Washington, Howell was traded to the Seahawks in a deal that reflected Seattle’s desire to develop a young quarterback with upside. With Smith providing a strong veteran presence, Howell had the opportunity to learn and grow behind him, but now, with Howell taking over, the Seahawks are looking to the future.
Sam Howell brings a unique blend of skills that could make him a dynamic quarterback for the Seahawks. One of Howell’s most notable traits is his arm strength. He has the ability to make all the throws, including deep passes down the field, which should be exciting for a Seahawks offense that has playmakers like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Howell’s deep ball accuracy and willingness to take shots down the field will help the Seahawks stretch opposing defenses, potentially opening up more opportunities for their running game.
Howell’s mobility is another key aspect of his game. While he’s not a traditional dual-threat quarterback, Howell has shown the ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs. This mobility will be crucial for a Seahawks offensive line that has been inconsistent in recent years. Howell’s ability to make plays on the run and keep his eyes downfield can turn broken plays into big gains, which will be important in Seattle’s offensive scheme.
Another strength of Howell’s game is his toughness and leadership. During his time at North Carolina, Howell earned a reputation for his resilience, often bouncing back from tough hits and continuing to lead his team with poise. The Seahawks’ coaching staff, led by head coach Pete Carroll, values mental toughness and leadership in its players, and Howell’s demeanor fits well with the team’s culture.
The transition from Geno Smith to Sam Howell will not be without its challenges. Smith’s veteran experience allowed him to manage games effectively, limiting mistakes and providing a steady hand for Seattle’s offense. Howell, on the other hand, will be stepping into a starting role for the first time, and with that comes a learning curve. While Howell has the physical tools to succeed, his ability to process defenses quickly and make smart decisions will be tested early and often.
One of the key factors in Howell’s success will be the support he receives from the Seahawks’ coaching staff and surrounding talent. Seattle boasts a strong offensive unit, including a dynamic receiving corps led by Metcalf and Lockett, as well as a promising young running back in Kenneth Walker III. The presence of these playmakers should ease some of the pressure on Howell, allowing him to focus on managing the offense and distributing the ball effectively.
Additionally, Howell will need to adjust to the speed of NFL defenses. While he showed flashes of brilliance in the preseason and his limited opportunities, regular-season NFL games are a different beast, and Howell will need to continue developing his ability to read defenses and avoid costly turnovers.
Sam Howell’s takeover as the Seahawks’ quarterback marks the beginning of a new era for Seattle. While it’s still early in his career, Howell has the potential to become the franchise’s next long-term solution at quarterback, following in the footsteps of Russell Wilson. With a strong supporting cast and a coaching staff that believes in developing young talent, Howell is in a favorable situation to succeed.
For the Seahawks, the hope is that Howell can bring a dynamic element to the offense that complements their strong defense and special teams. If Howell can develop into a consistent and reliable starter, the Seahawks have the potential to compete in the highly competitive NFC West for years to come.
Sam Howell’s ascension to the starting quarterback role for the Seattle Seahawks is a significant moment for the franchise. After the surprising success of Geno Smith, Howell now steps in with high expectations and the opportunity to solidify himself as the Seahawks’ quarterback of the future. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership gives Seattle fans reasons for optimism. However, as with any young quarterback, there will be challenges and growing pains along the way. If Howell can rise to the occasion, he could help lead the Seahawks back to playoff contention and beyond.