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 being the designated starter and a two-time Pro Bowler, Smith is determined to prove himself once more in his ongoing quest for respect.

“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.

The competitive fire within Smith is far from being extinguished. This is evident in his decision to restructure his contract this offseason. In a lot of ways, this is simply a reflection of Smith’s character.

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 feels he receives the adequate respect, Smith admitted his uncertainty. However, he stated that this only fuels his motivation to continue striving for it.

“Honestly, I’m not sure,” he stated. “In some aspects, I could confidently say ‘Yes, I understand,’ but in other respects, I might have to disagree. Yet, my role is to continually strive for respect, and that’s the aspect I relish – the competitive nature of constantly battling for my place 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 shared as the lesson he learned from Carroll.

If it weren’t for Carroll, it’s uncertain where Smith would be today. Therefore, it’s understandable that the quarterback views Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks coaching position as a bleak moment.

“He said, ‘I’ll probably remember that day forever because of the way things unfolded for me here. Clearly, Coach Carroll has greatly influenced my career. He gave me a lot of support when I joined this organization and put me in the spotlight I am in now. It was quite a tough moment for me to see someone I deeply respect, like him, part ways. But that’s how the NFL works, that’s how things go. I am very thrilled about what we currently have here and the direction we are heading in.'”

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

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

“Coach Grub is very knowledgeable about his system and how he wants things done,” stated Smith. “It’s evident that he possesses great confidence in his play-calling and how he plans to direct us offensively. Currently, we are in the initial stages of familiarizing ourselves with this offense.”

Upon his first look, Smith described the offense as “pretty complex” as he and his team grapple with new terminology, protections, and all the other aspects involved.

While learning Grubb’s system, Smith and Co. are also acclimating to Macdonald.

According to Smith, the responsibility lies with the Seahawks to prove themselves as a sturdy, aggressive, and self-assured team, ready for more successful days ahead following two consecutive nine-win seasons.

“Based on my observations, he has a clear vision,” stated Smith. “He’s developed a well-thought-out plan which he has already shared with us as a team. It’s our responsibility to support him in achieving that plan, while his role is to guide us towards it. We’re still at the early stages, but from our experience playing against him and the Ravens last year, it was evident how effective his strategy was and the superior quality of their defense. Their defense’s success was notable. We’re aware of his strategic approach and the leadership qualities he brings. We also recognize his integrity and exceptional coaching skills. We eagerly anticipate working under his guidance.”

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

This is a monumental shift, considering Carroll’s esteemed status among his ex-players. After all, he holds the record as the most successful coach in the franchise’s history.

However, this isn’t the first time Smith has navigated a coaching transition. In his initial six NFL seasons, he played under five different head coaches, including one interim. Smith is of the view that embracing Macdonald’s vision and looking to the future will be crucial.

“The crux of the matter is commitment,” he stated. “Regardless of who the coach is, or who is in charge, commitment is essential. All team members must show that commitment and that’s the primary message. At present, I believe this is what’s transpiring.”