Seahawks QB Geno Smith on his outlook for 2024 season: 'I got everything to prove'

An 11th NFL season awaits Geno Smith, and like many before, the veteran quarterback is fighting to overcome obstacles ahead.

The Seattle Seahawks have a new head coach and a fresh, younger addition to the quarterback room.

Despite Smith being the chosen starting player, the two-time Pro Bowler is determined to prove himself once more in what he perceives as a constant struggle for recognition.

“New coaching staff, old coaching staff, I got everything to prove,” Smith told reporters Wednesday amid Seattle’s week of voluntary offseason workouts. “That’s every day, that’s the way I wake up every day. I’m competing with Sam [Howell]. I know he’s competing with me. I’m going to compete my butt off; I’m competing with everybody in this building to be the best that I can be. I really don’t approach it any other way.”

It’s been a historic offseason for the Seahawks, as the club parted ways with Pete Carroll as head coach and hired former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to take over.

There were murmurs about Smith’s future, but general manager John Schneider made it clear “Geno’s our guy” during the Annual League Meeting despite the acquisition of Howell.

Smith’s competitive fire is hardly extinguished, evident by him restructuring his contract this offseason. In many ways, this is simply indicative of who Smith is.

A second-round selection of the New York Jets in 2013, Smith flamed out in Gotham before spending one-year stints with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers. He found his way to the Seahawks in 2020 and has been there since, having undergone a career renaissance. In 2021, he filled in for an injured Russell Wilson and in 2022 took over when Wilson was shipped to the Denver Broncos. Smith keyed a Seahawks playoff berth and won AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Last year, he didn’t shine as brightly but still played well, particularly down the stretch.

When questioned on Wednesday about whether he thinks he receives the respect he deserves, Smith expressed uncertainty. However, he affirmed that this only motivates him to continue striving to earn it.

“Truthfully, I’m unsure,” he expressed. “I believe in one scenario, I could affirmatively say, ‘Yes, I understand,’ but in others, I might disagree. Regardless, my role is to battle for that respect, and that’s what I relish about it, the competitive aspect of constantly striving for my respect in this league.”

Carroll undoubtedly played a major role in instilling the never-say-die mentality in Smith.

“Never back down. Always go for it. Always compete,” Smith declared, sharing what he learned from Carroll.

It’s understandable that the quarterback views Carroll’s departure from coaching the Seahawks as a bleak period, considering it’s uncertain where Smith would have ended up if not for Carroll.

He spoke reflectively, “I will likely remember that day forever, mainly due to how events unfolded for me here,” he stated. “Without a doubt, Coach Carroll was instrumental in molding my career. He provided immense support when I joined this organization, propelling me into the limelight. Witnessing someone I deeply respect, having to part ways with him, was an unfortunate moment for me. However, that’s the nature of the NFL and how things work. I’m enthusiastic about our current situation and the path we’re on.”

Macdonald is leading the direction in which the Seahawks are flying.

Macdonald, who is just four years older than Smith, has hired Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator. Grubb was previously the head coach at the University of Washington.

“Coach Grub is clearly knowledgeable about his system and how he wants things to be done,” stated Smith. “His confidence in his play-calling and in guiding us on offense is evident. Currently, we’re only in the initial stages of learning this offense.”

Upon his initial review, Smith referred to the offense as “pretty complex” as he and his teammates begin to adopt new terminology, protections, and everything else involved.

While Smith and Co. are familiarizing themselves with Grubb’s system, they are simultaneously adjusting to Macdonald.

According to Smith, the responsibility will fall on the Seahawks to be a powerful, assertive, and self-assured team ready for more successful days following two consecutive nine-win seasons.

Smith commented, “Based on my observations so far, he’s a visionary with a defined plan. He’s set out his expectations for our team, and it’s a shared responsibility to achieve our goals. We’re still in the early stages, but having played against him and the Ravens last year, we saw firsthand how effective their defensive scheme was. They truly excelled. We’re familiar with his strategies, but more than that, we respect his leadership and his character. He’s an outstanding coach, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

Naturally, this will be Smith’s inaugural season as a Seahawk playing under someone other than Carroll.

This represents a significant shift, given that Carroll is greatly respected by his former players. After all, he is the most successful coach in the franchise’s history.

Nevertheless, this isn’t the first time Smith has experienced a coaching change. During his initial six seasons in the NFL, he played under five different head coaches, including one interim head coach. Smith is of the view that the secret to success lies in accepting Macdonald’s vision and focusing on the future.

“What’s crucial is that you have to commit,” he stated. “Regardless of the coach or the leader, you have to commit. This is a requirement for everyone and that’s the fundamental message. Currently, I believe that’s precisely what’s taking place.”