No one could have predicted that Geno Smith would have a Pro Bowl season for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, but here we are a year later, trying to come up with a fair contract value for the 32-year-old QB.
Upon first glance, it would appear the Seahawks don’t have any other option but to sign Smith either to a long-term or short-term contract extension this offseason. The only other quarterback on their roster is Drew Lock, who’s set for free agency with other teams eyeing the former Denver Broncos QB.
Yet, the Seahawks could also use their fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on a player such as Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis if they want a true franchise QB capable of playing for the next 10+ seasons. Of course, drafting a rookie and hoping he develops into a star is no sure bet, either.
Another option for the Seahawks could be to place the franchise tag on Smith, which would pay the QB $32.42 million in 2023. Yet, what Smith wants matters too.
If the Seahawks aren’t placing a proper value on Smith, the vet QB could very well opt to test free agency, letting the market decide his worth. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Smith could do just that, test free agency. But this would only happen if the Seahawks can’t agree to a long-term extension. Graziano doesn’t believe Seattle is planning to use the franchise tag this year.
Should Smith, a 2022 Pro Bowler, enter free agency, expect a land rush for his services. Plenty of teams feel they are just a proven veteran signal-caller away from competing, and Smith just might be a short-term solution. Some franchises that could come calling include either New York team, the Las Vegas Raiders, or the entire NFC South division.
Ultimately, it appears it will be up to Smith to decide his future as long as the Seahawks are willing to offer a fair rate. We should find out his future soon enough, with free agency set to officially open on March 15.