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Sam Howell Transitions from Starting Quarterback for Commanders to Backup Role with Seahawks

Quarterback Sam Howell is embracing his new role with the Seattle Seahawks after transitioning from starting for the Washington Commanders. Howell, who has already begun learning from established starter Geno Smith, expressed enthusiasm about his fresh start with the Seahawks.

Following the end of last season, Howell anticipated a move from Washington, where he had spent the entire year as the starting quarterback. The shift came with the understanding that he would need to accept a backup position, a reality he is now facing in Seattle.

Speaking on Thursday, halfway through the Seahawks’ offseason OTA practices, Howell shared his excitement about joining the team despite the existing competition with Smith.

“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. “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.”

Howell has experienced significant changes in his brief NFL career. Drafted in the fifth round by the Commanders in 2022, he played one game as a rookie before starting in his second season, where he led the league in attempts, interceptions, and sacks.

Despite the challenges, Howell showcased his potential with standout performances, including a game against the Seahawks where he threw for 312 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in a narrow 29-26 loss.

“We should have won,” Howell remarked.

Reflecting on his past season, Howell noted the lessons learned and areas for improvement, particularly in reducing turnovers and making smarter plays.

“I think I could play some smarter ball. I think there were times where we were down big in some games, and I was a little too aggressive, just trying to make something happen to get us back in the game,” Howell said. “The turnovers were 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.”

Howell’s trade to Seattle involved some draft pick exchanges, but the Seahawks’ faith in his short-term potential was evident. Despite not selecting a developmental quarterback in the later rounds of the draft, Seattle chose to proceed with Smith and Howell as their quarterbacks.

“I think he’s representative of where we are as a football team,” said Seattle coach Mike Macdonald. “I think Sam has improved every time we’ve come out here, and it’s really exciting.”

NOTES: Seattle linebacker Jerome Baker, expected to start, is unlikely to participate until training camp in July due to offseason wrist surgery and lower-body issues, according to Macdonald.