RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Between the change in the coaching staff and a high draft pick, quarterback Sam Howell was pretty certain after last season ended, he’d no longer be in Washington even if he spent the entire year as the Commanders starting quarterback.

But with a change in scenery came the realization that Howell would have to accept the idea of taking on a backup role — which appears to be the situation he faces now as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

Howell said Thursday after the team hit the midway point of their offseason OTA practices that he was excited by the chance to join Seattle even if it meant coming to a team with an established starter already in place with Geno Smith.

“In this league to be able to play, you’ve got to compete and that’s what I’m willing to do, no matter what the situation is, no matter who the starter is. If I’m the starter, I’m coming to compete every single day,” Howell said. “Geno has been great. I’ve learned a lot from Geno and he’s a great player. I have a lot of respect for him and everything he’s been through in his career.”