Seahawks’ Coach Mike Macdonald Reaffirms Confidence in Geno Smith
SEATTLE — In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, where speculation and rumors often swirl like a Pacific Northwest storm, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has made his stance crystal clear. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is not just a placeholder; he’s the man Macdonald believes can lead the Seahawks to glory. In a recent interview with FOX 13 TV in Seattle, Macdonald didn’t mince words when asked about Smith’s future with the team.
“Yeah. Heck yeah, man,” Macdonald declared with conviction. “Geno’s our quarterback. I don’t understand the conversation. It’s pretty obvious this guy is a heck of a quarterback. He’s our quarterback. We love him. Can’t wait to go to work with him.”
Macdonald’s endorsement comes at a crucial time, as the Seahawks are navigating the offseason with Smith entering the final year of his contract. The coach’s comments are a stark contrast to the uncertainty that seemed to linger at the end of the season. Back on January 7, Macdonald had expressed his desire for Smith to remain with the team but acknowledged that the decision ultimately rested with the Seahawks’ front office.
“I want Geno to be here,” Macdonald had said. “I think he’s a heck of a player … I feel like Geno’s the best for the team right now. I’ll be involved with it. Ultimately, it’s not my decision. It’s a Seahawks decision, but Geno knows how we feel about him, and we love him as our starting quarterback, for sure.”
Smith, now 34, has had a season that can best be described as a mixed bag. He ranked 21st in Total QBR, a statistic that measures a quarterback’s overall performance. Despite the challenges of an overmatched offensive line and an inconsistent running game, Smith managed to break his own franchise records for passing yards with 4,320 (fourth in the NFL) and completion rate at 70.4% (fifth). He also led four game-winning drives, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
However, the season wasn’t without its struggles. Smith threw 15 interceptions, the third most in the league, over 17 games, compared to 21 touchdown passes. He also took 50 sacks, another statistic where he ranked third most. These numbers highlight the areas where improvement is needed if the Seahawks are to make a serious playoff push.
Financially, Smith is set to make $31 million next season, which includes a $16 million roster bonus due on March 16. His cap number stands at a hefty $44.5 million, a figure that will undoubtedly play a role in the Seahawks’ offseason decisions.
In Macdonald’s first season as head coach, Smith led the Seahawks to a 10-7 record, leaving them just one spot out of the NFC playoffs. In a bid to shake things up, Macdonald fired offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and brought in Klint Kubiak to take over the role.
Macdonald’s confidence in Smith is unwavering, as he told the TV station, “We’ve had a lot of non-football conversations — to keep it legal — over the last month or so. And I know he’s really excited about Klint taking over. This guy, he’s a great player, man. And we can win a championship with Geno Smith. We really believe that and can’t wait to get back to work with him.”
- Geno Smith’s 2024 Stats:
- Passing Yards: 4,320 (4th in NFL)
- Completion Rate: 70.4% (5th in NFL)
- Interceptions: 15 (3rd most)
- Sacks: 50 (3rd most)
- Seahawks’ 2024 Record: 10-7
- Smith’s 2025 Salary: $31 million
As the Seahawks look to the future, the question remains: Can Geno Smith be the quarterback to lead them to a championship? With Macdonald’s endorsement and a new offensive coordinator in place, the pieces are there. Now, it’s up to Smith and the Seahawks to put it all together on the field.
Originally Written by: Brady Henderson
