Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a decisive move by locking in their reliable quarterback, Geno Smith, to a three-year extension. Smith’s new deal, worth $25 million per season with $40 million fully guaranteed, underscores the Seahawks' commitment to their veteran quarterback. This contract places Smith as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value (AAV).
Despite whispers around the league about potential roster shifts and salary cap maneuvers, the Seahawks opted to retain Smith for the 2024 season. This decision guarantees Smith a cool $12.7 million, though it came at the expense of a $14 million potential cap savings had they chosen to part ways with him.
Rather than seeking fresh talent in the draft, Seattle took a different approach. They traded for Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker, bypassing the quarterback selection in the draft altogether. This move signifies the team's confidence in Smith's leadership and experience.
Smith's Stellar Performance
Geno Smith’s performance in the 2022 season emphatically justified the Seahawks' faith in him. Leading the league with a remarkable 69.8% completion rate, Smith accumulated 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His prowess on the field steered Seattle to a 9-8 record and a coveted playoff berth, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
The following 2023 season saw Smith throwing for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, achieving an 8-7 record. His consistent excellence was once again recognized with Pro Bowl honors. As Smith nears his 34th birthday, his performance shows little sign of decline. As he succinctly puts it, he is "still getting better."
Salary Cap Challenges
However, Seattle faces significant salary cap challenges moving forward. The team is $25.6 million over the salary cap for the 2025 season according to OverTheCap.com. With these constraints, the Seahawks need to be astute in managing their finances and roster.
One floated idea involves crafting an incentive package for Smith this year, which could provide cap relief while also motivating performance. Such a move would need careful negotiation and strategic planning.
Future Prospects
Looking at the future, Seattle is projected to have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft based on current sportsbook odds. This pick could provide an opportunity to bolster other areas of the team, continuing to build a competitive roster around their established quarterback.
The sentiment from the author's perspective is clear: "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year." This suggests that while Geno Smith’s immediate future with the Seahawks is secure, there are ongoing considerations and strategic decisions ahead that will shape the team’s trajectory.
For now, Seahawks fans can rest assured that their quarterback, who has proven his mettle time and again, remains committed and ready to steer the team towards success. As the team navigates financial intricacies and roster decisions, the confidence in Smith’s ability to deliver remains unwavering.