Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a decisive long-term investment in their quarterback position by signing Geno Smith to a three-year extension. This deal, which averages $25 million per season, includes $40 million in fully guaranteed money, reflecting the team's confidence in Smith's abilities and leadership.
Smith currently ranks as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value, a testament to both the market dynamics of the league and the Seahawks' valuation of his skillset and experience. Despite potential salary cap pressures, Seattle demonstrated their commitment to Smith by guaranteeing $12.7 million to retain him for the 2024 season. In doing so, they acknowledged the value of stability at the quarterback position over the immediate salary cap relief of $14 million that could have been achieved by releasing him.
A Season of Success
The decision to stick with Smith came on the heels of a standout 2022 season in which he led the league with a 69.8% completion rate. Smith's impressive tally of 4,282 yards, along with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, propelled the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth. His performance not only secured him a Pro Bowl nod but also solidified his status as a key asset for the team.
The 2023 season saw Smith maintain a high level of play, throwing for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, and leading Seattle to an 8-7 record. Once again, his efforts were recognized with Pro Bowl honors, affirming his consistency and reliability under center. As he approaches his 34th birthday, Smith continues to defy the notion that age diminishes effectiveness, underscoring his statement that he's "still getting better."
Roster Moves and Draft Strategies
The Seahawks' faith in Smith was evident not only in their roster decisions but also in their draft strategy. Eschewing the selection of a quarterback, Seattle instead opted to trade for Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker. This approach highlights their belief in Smith's ability to lead the team in the short term while potentially grooming Howell for the future.
Despite these moves, the team's salary cap situation presents challenges. Currently, Seattle is $25.6 million over the cap for the 2025 season, according to OverTheCap.com. Addressing this financial hurdle will require strategic maneuvering, and discussions of crafting an incentive package for Smith this year have already been floated as a potential solution.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
With the 2025 draft on the horizon, the Seahawks are projected to have the 11th overall pick based on sportsbook odds. This position offers the potential to add a significant contributor to their roster, possibly providing necessary support for Smith or addressing other key areas. The sentiment of meeting at the negotiating table next year reflects both the team's and the player's willingness to revisit and potentially revise their commitments based on performance and team needs.
Overall, the Seahawks' recent decisions surrounding Geno Smith encapsulate the delicate balance of securing both present success and future stability in the high-stakes environment of the NFL. With an eye toward both salary cap management and competitive performance, Seattle remains committed to forging a path that leverages the strengths of their veteran quarterback while remaining adaptable to the evolving dynamics of the league.