Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald Doesn’t Commit to Geno Smith As Starting QB

The veteran quarterback has started in Seattle for the past two seasons.

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is just a few months into his new job, but he already has to make important decisions regarding the quarterback position.

During an interview on 93.3 KJR radio in Seattle on Friday, Macdonald was asked whether Geno Smith will be the starter again next year, and the first-year coach declined to give a definitive answer.

“The first thing that I want everybody to know is that as an organization we’re always looking, we’re always trying to figure out what’s best for the team all the time,” Macdonald said. “We’re always going to try and make the best decisions for the team.”

#Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald was asked on @933KJR whether he's made up his mind on a starting quarterback.

Macdonald said he's excited for Geno Smith to get in the building and start working with the staff. Mike didn't really commit to Geno as the starter.

Full quote: pic.twitter.com/An660L27GO

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) March 8, 2024

Macdonald mentioned that he wants Smith to work with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and quarterbacks coach Charles London when offseason workouts begin in April. He will then take things from there, instead of making a declaration so early in the offseason.

“I don’t want you to feel like I’m dodging this answer but that’s what I’m excited about, for him to come in here and start to build this team the way we envision building it,” Macdonald said. “And the only way to do that is to go work with it. That’s what I’m focused on, man.”

Geno Smith is a two-time Pro Bowler for the Seattle Seahawks, and won Comeback Player of the Year in 2022—his first season as the team’s starting QB :: Kirby Lee/USA Today sports

Smith will be on the roster in 2024, as the Seahawks fully guaranteed his salary for the season by keeping him past Feb. 16. The veteran started the past two seasons for the Seahawks, totaling 50 touchdowns to 20 interceptions and making the playoffs in 2022.

Smith has two years left on his contract, but a new coaching staff means a new group of people that will be deciding his fate. For now, Smith is the top quarterback on the depth chart, but there is a while before the season begins in September.