While Geno Smith is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, it sure seems like his head coach and general manager are not completely sold on that possibility heading into the NFL offseason.
Geno Smith was one of the best stories in the NFL two seasons ago when he won Comeback Player of the Year honors and took the Seahawks to the playoffs. It was a fantastic career resurgence after the 33-year-old had become one of the best-known journeyman QBs in the league.
However, 2023 delivered different results and Smith performed in a way that reminded fans of both his outstanding showing in 2022, and the underwhelming showings in previous years. That may be why the Seattle brass seem to be mentally preparing for the possibility that Smith continues to revert to his former self,and that means they need a backup plan.
During his Tuesday press conference at the NFL Combine Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider surprisingly said Smith is “the starter until he’s not” when asked about his role on the team. The comments come after new head coach Mike Macdonald seemed non-commital when asked over the weekend about Smith being a part of future plans for the team.
Furthermore, it was revealed this week that the recent contract restructure Smith and the team agreed to was something that Schneider was able to do unilaterally due to a clause in the QB’s contract. It all makes it seem like the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for life without Smith sooner than later.
With that in mind, let’s look at five affordable QB options in the trade and free agent markets, or the NFL Draft to potentially compete for the starting quarterback job this summer.
5 QBs the Seattle Seahawks could add to compete with Geno Smith
Sam Howell
Sam Howell’s run as the starting QB of the Washington Commanders looks to be at an end and he is expendable for the restructuring franchise. While he was benched late in the season after a rough second half, he looked impressive at times over the first nine games and has some upside. If the Seahawks are willing to give up a late day two or day three draft pick, Howell would be an interesting option to compete with Smith.
Trey Lance
The San Francisco 49ers used a first-round pick on Trey Lance and he likely would still be with the franchise if not for the rise of Brock Purdy. While there are certainly concerns about his game, we have still seen very little of him in the NFL. He could be a draft bust or be developed into a long-term answer at QB. With the Cowboys already having Cooper Rush, Lance could be had at a reasonable trade price in March and offer immense upside.
Michael Penix Jr.
Outside of the top three prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington star Michael Penix Jr. is one of the most fascinating QBs in this year’s class. He seems to have all the tools to be a star at the next level and the inner fortitude that can help him push through tough times. However, his injury history is a big concern for any team that takes him.
He will certainly be available when the Seattle Seahawks are on the clock at 16. With Smith not being in their long-term plans, taking Penix Jr. in April to potentially not just be the QB of tomorrow, but of today is possible.
Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew has been rock-solid in stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. Nearly helping the Colts reach the playoffs last season was enough to prove he has the potential to be a very reliable starter in the league. At the very least he could be Drew Lock’s replacement as the backup but has the skills to potentially take the starting job away from Smith if he falters in camp or early in the season.
Jordan Travis
If not for a season-ending leg injury Florida State star Jordan Travis might be in the conversation for the top QB prospects in this year’s class. If the Seahawks want to use a late-round pick to find some summer competition for Smith, Travis is a very talented QB who will be available later in the event and is a gifted low-risk but high-reward option.