Don't rule out the Seattle Seahawks taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft

But when looking at both quarterbacks' contracts and their bodies of work, there's definitely a chance the Seahawks take a QB in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Each quarterback has a ceiling, with Howell's lower than Smith's. Both guys are serviceable players, but they aren't players that are going to elevate the players around them. They need a good environment in order to thrive, whereas a Michael Penix Jr. or Nix both have a higher ceiling and they don't need as much talent around them. 

Simply put: The Seahawks have a chance to win more games, especially in the postseason, by taking a QB in the first round. There's a very good chance Nix and/or Penix Jr. are there at 16, as well, which is even better because the team wouldn't have to forfeit picks in order to move up.

There's also the Mike Macdonald era factor. What better way to establish a new era than drafting a QB that is viewed as "your guy"? This would be another big step toward officially exiting the Pete Carroll era. 

And lastly, going back to the contracts. Smith can be released after this year and the Seahawks would create $25 million in salary cap room. And, 2025 also represents the last year of Howell's deal. A 2024 rookie, who would be in his second-year in 2025, and Howell could compete for the starting job, and the 'Hawks would have a nice 1-2 punch, regardless of who wins (it's assumed the second-year guy wins).

NFL teams are all about winning in the present, but they also have one eye on the future, at the same time. The Seahawks could certainly stand to draft other positions at No. 16, and they should, but it wouldn't be a totally bad idea to take a QB, especially in this draft.