Seahawks' Sam Howell addresses reverting to backup role after Washington stint

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell spoke with reporters on Thursday about returning to a backup role after he made 17 starts with the Washington Commanders last season.

"In this league, to be able to play, you’ve got to compete, and that’s what I’m willing to do, no matter what the situation is, no matter who the starter is. If I’m the starter, I’m coming to compete every single day," Howell said about being Seattle's QB2 behind starter Geno Smith, per Tim Booth of the Associated Press. "Geno has been great. I’ve learned a lot from Geno, and he’s a great player. I have a lot of respect for him and everything he’s been through in his career."

A 2022 fifth-round draft pick, Howell started only a single game (Week 18) as a rookie before he began atop Washington's depth chart last September. According to Pro Football Reference, Howell finished the 2023 regular season with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks, both league worsts. He was ranked 25th among qualified passers with a 42.4 adjusted QBR.

The Commanders traded Howell to the Seahawks in March before Washington made LSU signal-caller Jayden Daniels the second selection of this year's draft. Howell suggested he was, at times, his own worst enemy during his two-season stint with his former club.

"I think I could play some smarter ball," Howell admitted. "I think there were times where we were down big in some games; I was a little too aggressive just trying to make something happen, trying to get us back in the game. The turnovers are just way too high for what I wanted and what the team needed. I think that’s definitely something I can take from last year."

Individuals within the Seahawks reportedly are high on Howell, so much so that the team may see if the 23-year-old can "push" Smith into at least somewhat of a quarterback competition between now and the final game of the preseason. As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Seattle's over/under win total for the 2024 season at 7.5.

If Smith doesn't have Seattle at seven wins by Week 17, the club may want to consider Howell over the final two games of the campaign.