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 their quarterback room.

Regardless of Smith being the chosen starter, the two-time Pro Bowler is determined to prove himself once more in what he perceives as a continuous fight 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, who also restructured his contract this offseason. In many respects, this is simply the nature of Smith.

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 asked on Wednesday whether he feels he receives the appropriate respect, Smith expressed uncertainty. However, he said he remains motivated to continue striving for it.

“Honestly, I’m unsure,” he expressed. “In one instance, I could affirmatively say, ‘Yes, I understand,’ but in others, I would have to disagree. Again, my role is to strive for that respect and that’s what I relish, the competitive aspect of continuously vying for my recognition 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 advised, sharing the lessons he learned from Carroll.

It’s understandable that the quarterback regards Carroll’s departure from coaching the Seahawks as a gloomy period, considering nobody can tell where Smith would stand if Carroll hadn’t intervened.

“He said, ‘I will likely never forget that day, largely due to the events that transpired here for me. Clearly, Coach Carroll has been a significant influence on my career. He provided substantial support when I joined this organization and played a pivotal role in propelling me into my current spotlight. It was a difficult moment for me, having to part ways with someone I deeply admire. However, that’s the nature of the NFL and how things unfold. I’m very enthusiastic about our current situation and the direction we are taking.'”

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

Macdonald, who is just 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 knowledgeable about his system and knows exactly how he wants it executed,” Smith stated. “It’s evident that he has a lot of confidence in his play-calling and his methods of directing us offensively. At the moment, we’re just starting to learn this offense.”

Upon his first glance, Smith described the offense as “pretty complex” as he and his teammates begin to learn new terminology, protections, and all that lies in between.

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

According to Smith, the responsibility falls on the Seahawks to be a physical, hard-hitting, and confident team that is ready for more successful days following two consecutive seasons with nine wins.

Smith stated, “Based on my observations, he possesses a clear vision and plan. He has already shared this plan with our team and it’s our responsibility to assist him in achieving it, just as it’s his responsibility to help us reach our goals. At this moment, we’re only at the start of this process. However, having faced him last year when he was with the Ravens, it was evident that his defensive strategy was effective and contributed significantly to their success. His leadership qualities, character, and overall excellent coaching abilities are something we anticipate and appreciate.”

Of course, this will be Smith’s first season playing as a Seahawk for someone other than Carroll.

The change is significant, particularly since Carroll is greatly respected by his previous players. After all, he is the most victorious coach in the franchise’s history.

However, this isn’t the first time Smith has experienced a coaching shift. During his initial six seasons in the NFL, he was under the guidance of five different head coaches, including one interim. He thinks that the essential part is to look ahead and adopt Macdonald’s perspective.

“What’s crucial is commitment,” he stated. “Regardless of the coach or the leader, commitment is required. It’s essential that everyone is on board and that’s the core message. At present, I believe this is the process underway.”