Last March, the Seattle Seahawks affirmed their faith in quarterback Geno Smith by signing him to a lucrative three-year extension. Worth $25 million per season, the contract includes $40 million fully guaranteed. This deal positions Smith as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value (AAV), reflecting the Seahawks' strong commitment to their signal-caller.
Smith's journey with the Seahawks has been nothing short of remarkable. In the 2022 season, Smith led the league with a 69.8% completion rate, threw for 4,282 yards, notched up 30 touchdowns, and had 11 interceptions. His exceptional performance guided the Seahawks to a 9-8 record, earning them a playoff berth, and his efforts were rewarded with a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Continuing that momentum into the 2023 season, Smith accumulated 3,624 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, leading the Seahawks to an 8-7 record and securing Pro Bowl honors once again. Despite these impressive stats, Seattle finds itself in a difficult financial situation as they are $25.6 million over the salary cap for the 2025 season, according to OverTheCap.com.
Retaining Smith for the 2024 season was a calculated decision by the Seahawks, guaranteeing $12.7 million to keep him on the roster. This move comes at the expense of a potential $14 million in cap savings had they chosen to release him. However, the franchise believed in Smith's ability to continue his upward trajectory, as echoed by Smith himself when he said, "Still getting better."
Roster Moves and Draft Decisions
Interestingly, Seattle opted to bypass selecting a quarterback in the draft this past year. Instead, they traded for Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker, showing their intent to build around Smith and avoid the uncertainties that come with rookie quarterbacks. This strategic decision signals the organization's belief in Smith's leadership on the field and their desire to provide stability at the quarterback position.
Future Uncertainties
With Smith approaching his 34th birthday, the Seahawks are now contemplating ways to maneuver around their tight salary cap. An idea to craft an incentive package for Smith has emerged as a potential solution, indicating that the negotiations will be closely tied to Smith's performance and the team’s need for financial flexibility. The sentiment from the Seahawks' camp suggests, "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year," reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach towards balancing talent retention and fiscal responsibility.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Seattle is projected to have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, according to sportsbook odds. How they choose to utilize this pick will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future, especially given the financial constraints and the ever-present need for young talent to complement their seasoned veterans.
In summary, the Seahawks' commitment to Geno Smith underscores their strategic vision for the future. Despite the financial challenges looming on the horizon, the faith in Smith’s abilities and the calculated roster moves suggest a nuanced approach aimed at sustaining competitiveness. As Smith continues to evolve as a quarterback, only time will tell how these decisions will impact the franchise's journey in the NFL.