With Russell Wilson's recent departure from the Seattle Seahawks, fans and analysts alike have been speculating about who will take over the reins as the team's starting quarterback. Many names have been thrown around, but who is the most likely candidate to lead the Seahawks' offense in 2023 and beyond?
In this article, we'll take a look at the top contenders for the Seahawks' quarterback position, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit within the team's offensive scheme. We'll also discuss the implications of Wilson's departure and what it means for the Seahawks' future.
Before we delve into the specific candidates, it's important to understand the Seahawks' offensive philosophy under head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Carroll and Waldron have emphasized a run-first approach, with a focus on establishing a strong running game to set up play-action passes and keep the defense honest. They also like to utilize a lot of pre-snap motion and misdirection to create confusion and open up passing lanes.
Who is the Quarterback for the Seahawks
With Russell Wilson's departure, the Seahawks seek a new signal-caller.
- Geno Smith - Veteran backup with starting experience.
- Drew Lock - Former Broncos starter with potential.
- Jacob Eason - Young QB with limited playing time.
- Deshaun Watson - Talented but faces legal issues.
- Jimmy Garoppolo - Experienced QB available via trade.
- Baker Mayfield - Former Browns starter seeking fresh start.
- Matt Ryan - Veteran QB possibly seeking new team.
- Marcus Mariota - Former Titans starter with mobility.
- Teddy Bridgewater - Steady veteran with starting experience.
- Dwayne Haskins - Former first-round pick with potential.
The Seahawks have several options to replace Wilson, but the decision will depend on their desired style of play and long-term goals.
Geno Smith - Veteran backup with starting experience.
Geno Smith is a veteran quarterback who has been with the Seahawks since 2019, serving as Russell Wilson's backup. He has shown flashes of potential as a starter, most notably in 2021 when he led Seattle to a 3-1 record in Wilson's absence.
- Experience: Smith has 32 career starts, including 16 with the Seahawks. He has a 14-18 record as a starter.
- Mobility: Smith is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career.
- Accuracy: Smith has a career completion percentage of 62.4%, which is slightly below average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Decision-making: Smith has been criticized for his decision-making at times, particularly his tendency to make risky throws.
Overall, Geno Smith is a capable quarterback with starting experience who could be a stop-gap option for the Seahawks in 2023. However, he has some limitations, and it remains to be seen if he can be a long-term solution at the position.
Drew Lock - Former Broncos starter with potential.
Drew Lock was the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback from 2019 to 2021. He showed promise as a rookie in 2019, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, he struggled in 2020 and 2021, leading to his eventual benching and trade to the Seahawks in 2022.
- Strong arm: Lock has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He is also able to generate velocity on his passes, even when he is off-balance.
- Mobility: Lock is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He is not as fast as some other quarterbacks, but he is quick enough to make defenders miss and pick up yards on the ground.
- Accuracy: Lock's accuracy has been a concern at times. He has a career completion percentage of just 57.3%, which is well below average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Decision-making: Lock has also been criticized for his decision-making. He has a tendency to make risky throws and force the ball into tight windows.
Overall, Drew Lock is a quarterback with a lot of potential. He has a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make big plays. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making in order to become a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
Jacob Eason - Young QB with limited playing time.
Jacob Eason is a young quarterback who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent his first two seasons in Indianapolis as a backup to Carson Wentz, seeing limited playing time. In 2022, he was traded to the Seahawks, where he served as Drew Lock's backup.
Eason has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and the size and athleticism that NFL teams covet at the position. However, he is still very inexperienced, having only started three games in his career.
In his limited playing time, Eason has shown some flashes of potential. He has a quick release and is able to make accurate throws to all levels of the field. He is also a willing runner and can extend plays with his legs.
However, Eason has also shown some areas that need improvement. He has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, which can lead to sacks and turnovers. He also needs to improve his decision-making and avoid making risky throws.
Overall, Jacob Eason is a young quarterback with a lot of potential. He has the physical tools and some of the intangibles that NFL teams look for in a franchise quarterback. However, he is still very inexperienced and needs to develop more consistency in his play.
Deshaun Watson - Talented but faces legal issues.
Deshaun Watson is a talented quarterback who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. He is currently facing 22 civil lawsuits and a potential NFL suspension. Watson has denied all the allegations against him.
Watson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make all the throws. He is also a leader and a winner. In his four seasons with the Houston Texans, he led the team to the playoffs three times and won the AFC South division twice.
However, Watson's legal issues could derail his career. If he is found guilty of the allegations against him, he could face a lengthy suspension or even a lifetime ban from the NFL. Even if he is not found guilty, the allegations could still damage his reputation and make it difficult for him to find a new team.
The Seahawks have been linked to Watson in trade rumors, but it is unclear if they would be willing to acquire him given his legal situation. Watson is a talented quarterback, but his off-field issues could make him a risky investment.
Jimmy Garoppolo - Experienced QB available via trade.
Jimmy Garoppolo is an experienced quarterback who is currently available via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. He has been a starter in the NFL since 2016 and has led his teams to the playoffs three times.
- Experience: Garoppolo has started 50 games in his NFL career, including 33 with the 49ers. He has a career record of 33-17 as a starter.
- Accuracy: Garoppolo is a very accurate passer. He has a career completion percentage of 67.7%, which is well above average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Game manager: Garoppolo is not a flashy quarterback, but he is a good game manager. He makes smart decisions with the football and avoids turnovers.
- Injury history: Garoppolo has missed some games due to injuries in his career, but he has been relatively healthy in recent years.
Overall, Jimmy Garoppolo is a solid quarterback who could be a good fit for the Seahawks. He is an experienced starter who is accurate and makes good decisions. He is also relatively healthy and has a good track record of winning games.
Baker Mayfield - Former Browns starter seeking fresh start.
Baker Mayfield is a former Browns starter who is now seeking a fresh start with a new team. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and has started 64 games in his career. Mayfield has had some success in the NFL, leading the Browns to their first playoff victory in over 20 years in 2020. However, he has also been criticized for his inconsistency and off-field issues.
- Strong arm: Mayfield has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He is also able to generate velocity on his passes, even when he is off-balance.
- Mobility: Mayfield is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He is not as fast as some other quarterbacks, but he is quick enough to make defenders miss and pick up yards on the ground.
- Accuracy: Mayfield's accuracy has been a concern at times. He has a career completion percentage of just 61.6%, which is below average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Decision-making: Mayfield has also been criticized for his decision-making. He has a tendency to make risky throws and force the ball into tight windows.
Overall, Baker Mayfield is a talented quarterback with a lot of potential. He has a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make big plays. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making in order to become a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
Matt Ryan - Veteran QB possibly seeking new team.
Matt Ryan is a veteran quarterback who has spent the past 14 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL during that time, leading the Falcons to the playoffs six times and the Super Bowl once. However, Ryan is now 37 years old and the Falcons are in a rebuilding mode. As a result, there have been rumors that Ryan could be traded to a new team in 2023.
Ryan is still a very good quarterback. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and the ability to make all the throws. He is also a good leader and has a lot of experience. However, he is not as mobile as he used to be and he has been sacked a lot in recent years.
If Ryan is traded, he would be a good fit for a team that is looking for a veteran quarterback who can come in and start right away. He would also be a good mentor for a young quarterback.
The Seahawks could be a potential landing spot for Ryan. They are in need of a new quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Ryan would give the Seahawks a veteran presence and a proven winner. He would also be a good fit for their offensive scheme, which is based on the running game and play-action passing.
Marcus Mariota - Former Titans starter with mobility.
Marcus Mariota is a former Titans starter who is now a free agent. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and has started 63 games in his career. Mariota has shown flashes of potential as a starter, but he has also struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
- Mobility: Mariota is a very mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He is not as fast as some other quarterbacks, but he is quick enough to make defenders miss and pick up yards on the ground.
- Playmaking ability: Mariota is a playmaker who can make things happen with his arm and his legs. He is able to make off-schedule plays and keep defenses off balance.
- Accuracy: Mariota's accuracy has been a concern at times. He has a career completion percentage of just 61.7%, which is below average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Decision-making: Mariota has also been criticized for his decision-making. He has a tendency to make risky throws and force the ball into tight windows.
Overall, Marcus Mariota is a talented quarterback with a lot of potential. He has mobility, playmaking ability, and the ability to make big plays. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making in order to become a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
Teddy Bridgewater - Steady veteran with starting experience.
Teddy Bridgewater is a steady veteran quarterback who has started 59 games in his career. He has played for the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, and Broncos. Bridgewater is not a flashy quarterback, but he is a reliable and efficient passer who takes care of the football.
Bridgewater has a good arm and is accurate on his throws. He is also a good decision-maker and avoids turnovers. He is not a running quarterback, but he is mobile enough to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground when needed.
Bridgewater is a good leader and is well-respected by his teammates. He is also a hard worker and is always prepared. He is a good fit for teams that are looking for a quarterback who can manage the game and make smart decisions.
The Seahawks could be a potential landing spot for Bridgewater. They are in need of a new quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Bridgewater would give the Seahawks a steady veteran presence and a reliable passer. He would also be a good fit for their offensive scheme, which is based on the running game and play-action passing.
Dwayne Haskins - Former first-round pick with potential.
Dwayne Haskins is a former first-round pick who has shown flashes of potential in his NFL career. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) in 2019 and started 13 games in his rookie season. He was then traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, where he started eight games.
- Strong arm: Haskins has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He is also able to generate velocity on his passes, even when he is off-balance.
- Mobility: Haskins is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He is not as fast as some other quarterbacks, but he is quick enough to make defenders miss and pick up yards on the ground.
- Accuracy: Haskins' accuracy has been a concern at times. He has a career completion percentage of just 60.1%, which is below average for NFL quarterbacks.
- Decision-making: Haskins has also been criticized for his decision-making. He has a tendency to make risky throws and force the ball into tight windows.
Overall, Dwayne Haskins is a talented quarterback with a lot of potential. He has a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make big plays. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making in order to become a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about who will be the next quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks:
Question 1: Who is the current starting quarterback for the Seahawks?
Answer: The Seahawks currently do not have a starting quarterback. They traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March 2022.
Question 2: Which quarterbacks are considered to be the top candidates to replace Wilson?
Answer: The top candidates to replace Wilson include Geno Smith, Drew Lock, and Jacob Eason, all of whom are currently on the Seahawks' roster. Other potential candidates include Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield, and Matt Ryan, who are all available via trade.
Question 3: What are the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate?
Answer: Geno Smith is a veteran quarterback with starting experience, but he has also been inconsistent at times. Drew Lock has a strong arm and is mobile, but he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making. Jacob Eason is a young quarterback with a lot of potential, but he is still inexperienced. Jimmy Garoppolo is a steady veteran with starting experience, but he has been injury-prone in the past. Baker Mayfield is a talented quarterback with a strong arm, but he can also be inconsistent and turnover-prone. Matt Ryan is a veteran quarterback with a lot of experience, but he is also 37 years old and may be declining.
Question 4: Who is the most likely candidate to be the Seahawks' starting quarterback in 2023?
Answer: It is difficult to say who is the most likely candidate to be the Seahawks' starting quarterback in 2023. Geno Smith is the current frontrunner, but Drew Lock and Jacob Eason could also be in the mix. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the Seahawks' coaching staff and front office.
Question 5: What are the Seahawks' plans for the long-term?
Answer: The Seahawks are likely to give their current quarterbacks a chance to compete for the starting job in 2023. However, they may also look to draft a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Seahawks have the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, and there are several talented quarterbacks who could be available at that spot.
Question 6: Who are some other quarterbacks who could be in the mix for the Seahawks' starting job?
Answer: Other quarterbacks who could be in the mix for the Seahawks' starting job include Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota, and Dwayne Haskins. Bridgewater is a steady veteran with starting experience. Mariota is a former Pro Bowler who has shown flashes of potential. Haskins is a former first-round pick who has a lot of upside.
Closing Paragraph:
The Seahawks have a lot of options to consider at the quarterback position. They could stick with one of their current quarterbacks, trade for a veteran, or draft a rookie. Ultimately, the decision will depend on what the Seahawks believe is the best way to build a winning team.
Now that you know more about the potential candidates for the Seahawks' starting quarterback job, here are a few tips for following the quarterback competition:
Tips
Here are a few tips for following the quarterback competition for the Seattle Seahawks:
Tip 1: Pay attention to the Seahawks' offseason moves.
The Seahawks' offseason moves will give you a good indication of their plans at the quarterback position. If they sign a veteran quarterback or draft a quarterback high in the draft, it is likely that they are not sold on their current quarterbacks.
Tip 2: Watch the Seahawks' preseason games.
The Seahawks' preseason games will give you a chance to see the quarterbacks in action. Pay attention to their performance and see who stands out. The preseason is also a good time to see how the quarterbacks interact with their teammates and coaches.
Tip 3: Follow Seahawks beat writers and analysts.
Seahawks beat writers and analysts will have the latest news and insights on the quarterback competition. Follow them on social media or read their articles to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Tip 4: Be patient.
The Seahawks' quarterback competition may not be decided until the regular season begins. Be patient and wait to see how the quarterbacks perform when the games start to count.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can stay informed about the quarterback competition for the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterback position is one of the most important positions in football, so it is important to pay attention to who is under center for your favorite team.
Now that you have some tips for following the quarterback competition, here is a brief conclusion to wrap up the article:
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
- The Seahawks are in need of a new quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
- There are a number of potential candidates to replace Wilson, including Geno Smith, Drew Lock, Jacob Eason, Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield, and Matt Ryan.
- Each candidate has their own strengths and weaknesses.
- The Seahawks may also look to draft a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- The Seahawks have a lot of options to consider at the quarterback position.
Closing Message:
The Seahawks' quarterback competition is one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL this offseason. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the Seahawks' starting quarterback in 2023. The Seahawks have a lot of talented players on their roster, and they are hoping that their new quarterback can lead them back to the playoffs.
Regardless of who wins the starting job, the Seahawks are sure to be an exciting team to watch in 2023.