Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a decisive move to secure their quarterback stability by signing Geno Smith to a lucrative three-year extension. This deal, worth $25 million per season and featuring $40 million fully guaranteed, signaled Seattle's strong commitment to Smith as their leader on the field.
Currently ranked as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in terms of average annual value (AAV) in the NFL, Smith's contract reflects a significant investment by the Seahawks. Their choice to retain him for the 2024 season came with a considerable financial commitment, guaranteeing $12.7 million to keep Smith on the roster. This decision, however, came at the cost of forgoing a potential $14 million cap savings had the organization opted to release him instead.
Seattle’s Strategic Choices
The Seahawks' offseason strategy extended beyond retaining Smith. They chose to forego drafting a quarterback, a decision that often indicates confidence in the current roster's talent. Instead, they traded for Sam Howell and brought PJ Walker on board, adding depth to their quarterback lineup.
Smith's performance in the 2022 season was a testament to the trust placed in him. Leading the league with a 69.8% completion rate, Smith threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His excellence under center guided the Seahawks to a 9-8 record, securing a playoff berth and earning Pro Bowl honors. The following season in 2023, Smith continued to deliver, throwing for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, achieving an 8-7 record and once again receiving Pro Bowl recognition.
Looking at the Financial Picture
While Smith’s on-field performance remains strong, his approaching 34th birthday and the Seahawks' financial situation present challenges. According to OverTheCap.com, Seattle is projected to be $25.6 million over the salary cap for the 2025 season. This financial strain has sparked discussions about potential solutions, including crafting an incentive package for Smith this year to better manage the cap situation.
Draft Prospects and Future Planning
As the Seahawks navigate their financial framework and roster decisions, they are projected to have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, as indicated by sportsbook odds. This positioning in the draft could provide them with an opportunity to bolster their roster with fresh talent, potentially addressing any gaps left in the lineup or adding depth where needed.
In reflecting on his career trajectory and future prospects, Smith's own words encapsulate his outlook: "Still getting better." His optimistic perspective aligns with the sentiment of the Seahawks organization and its fans, as they eagerly anticipate his continued contributions to the team. Moreover, the sentiment of the article's author suggests a mutual readiness for future negotiations, aptly put as, "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year." This points to a potential ongoing relationship between Smith and the Seahawks, where performance and collaboration will shape future commitments.
Geno Smith’s journey with the Seattle Seahawks is not just a storyline of contracts and cap space; it’s a narrative of resilience, performance, and strategic planning. As the franchise eyes the upcoming seasons, their decisions will undoubtedly reflect both the immediate and long-term aspirations of one of the NFL’s storied teams.