Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant commitment to quarterback Geno Smith by signing him to a three-year extension worth $25 million per season, a contract that includes $40 million fully guaranteed. This move underlines the confidence the franchise has in Smith as their leading quarterback.
Smith Among Top-Earning Quarterbacks
Smith’s contract positions him as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value (AAV), a testament to his prowess and the faith the Seahawks have placed in his leadership and skill set on the field. Despite the financial stakes, Seattle opted to retain Smith for the 2024 season, guaranteeing $12.7 million to keep him on the roster, even at the expense of a potential $14 million cap savings had they decided to release him.
Roster Moves and Draft Decisions
Rather than selecting a new quarterback in the draft, the Seahawks traded for Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker, solidifying their quarterback depth with experienced players. This decision was likely influenced by Smith's performance over the past seasons, which has been nothing short of impressive.
Stellar Performance in 2022
In the 2022 season, Smith led the league with a 69.8% completion rate, amassing 4,282 yards, with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His leadership on the field was pivotal in guiding the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and securing a playoff berth. This performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl.
Consistency in 2023
Smith continued his strong performance into the 2023 season, throwing for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, leading the team to an 8-7 record. Once again, his efforts were acknowledged with Pro Bowl honors, indicating his consistent form and reliability as a starting quarterback. As he approaches his 34th birthday, Smith remains a vital asset to the Seahawks.
"Still getting better," Smith commented, reflecting his ongoing dedication to improving his game and contributing to the team's success.
Financial Challenges Ahead
Nonetheless, the Seahawks face financial challenges, being $25.6 million over the salary cap for 2025, according to OverTheCap.com. As they navigate these constraints, the idea of crafting an incentive package for Smith this year has been floated as a potential solution to manage the cap while retaining their star quarterback.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Seahawks are projected to have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, according to sportsbook odds. This position could provide an opportunity to strengthen other areas of the team, further bolstering their prospects for the coming seasons.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, the Seahawks' strategic moves and Smith’s ongoing commitment promise an engaging future. As the sentiment among team insiders and analysts suggests, "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year," hinting at ongoing discussions and potential future agreements to ensure sustained competitiveness and success.