Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald Does Not Commit to Geno Smith for 2024
Mike Macdonald, newly hired head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, was asked about the starting quarterback position earlier this week, and his answer left us asking some questions.
In an interview with Aaron Levine of KCPQ, Macdonald was asked, “Are Geno Smith and Drew Lock both involved in the future of this organization going forward and finding success here?”
Mike MacDonald answered, “That’s a tough question, and it’s one that I probably can’t answer right now. We’re doing a lot of work on those guys, and I’ve had conversations to get to know them, and understand who they are as people and their background, goals, what their family’s like, where they’re from. I didn’t know anything about them coming into this whole thing. Right now we’re in the phase of figuring out who they are. One or two or both would fit into our plan going forward, but we probably don’t have that answer for you right now.” According to NBC Sports.
Macdonald’s answer was somewhat vague but left us with some questions.
Seattle Seahawks Starting Quarterback
Geno Smith was the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks for 15 games this past season and almost led the team to the playoffs for his second consecutive season as the starting quarterback.
Geno has wowed critics since becoming the starting quarterback for the Seahawks in 2022. He had a 64.7 completion percentage in 2023 and 69.8 in 2022. The problem isn’t his efficiency; it is age.
Geno Smith will turn 34 years of age during the 2024 season. With a new coaching regime coming into Seattle this season, it is no surprise that the answer to the Macdonald game could be more precise.
Given Geno Smith’s restructured contract, he will likely remain in Seattle as the starting quarterback in 2024. However, Macdonald’s declining to commit to Smith suggests that the Seahawks are open to moving on if the right move presents itself this offseason.
Lock It Up
Drew Lock was also rostered at quarterback for the 2023 season for Seattle. He is currently an unrestricted free agent and will test the market. One would assume he is working towards a starting position in the NFL.
With Macdonald and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the thought is that Drew Lock will stay in Seattle.
Macdonald in Tricky Situation
Mike Macdonald was hired on January 31st to be the ninth head coach in Seattle Seahawks franchise history. Taking on head coaching responsibilities is a new task for him. Answering questions about the starting quarterback is a role he has yet to take on, so there is no surprise at his answer with zero time on the field with his newly acquired roster.
Many options will be looked at with him and his staff for 2024. One option that makes sense would be to draft the heir apparent to Geno Smith. With the hiring of Ryan Grubb, former offensive coordinator for the University of Washington, one name will surface for many people around the NFL.
Michael Penix Jr., former quarterback of the University of Washington, is a popular name for the 2024 draft. He is not in the top tier of quarterback names but is in that second group. Will Seattle use a pick to set themselves up for the future? Penix would be able to sit behind Geno Smith and learn from someone with a similar style of play.
Mike Macdonald will have some decisions to make as we approach the draft.
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