After an impressive season leading the team to the NFL Playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to make re-signing Geno Smith to a multi-year deal a priority in the offseason.
The Seahawks entered the 2022-2023 season with low expectations. They traded franchise legend Russell Wilson in the offseason, and cut eight-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner. The organization seemed in the early stages of a rebuild. However, quarterback Smith was a major part in helping the team become one of the biggest surprises in the league this season.
The nine-year journeyman led the team to a 9-8 record, a spot against the San Francisco 49ers on NFL Wild Card weekend, and earned his first Pro Bowl honors in a season that will likely include winning “Comeback Player of the Year.” What made it all the more impressive was he put up far better numbers this season than the future Hall-of-Famer he replaced.
Also Read: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers Wild Card preview
Geno Smith’s career year also came at the perfect time with him set to return to free agency after the season, and it seems the Seattle Seahawks are totally willing to pay up to keep the 32-year-old on the roster for several more seasons.
Seattle Seahawks could use franchise tag on Geno Smith
Ahead of the Seattle Seahawks playoff matchup with division rivals the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team and their starting quarterback have every intention of making sure they continue their relationship into next season.
“My understanding is the team wants that [feel-good story] to continue. I’m told Geno Smith will be back in Seattle in 2023. He is genuine, he is well-liked, [and] he has played great. He’s also a free agent so they’re gonna try to work on a new deal. There is also the franchise tag available. Expect them to use that if it is necessary. [The] $30-plus million would be double what Geno has made in his career.”
– Ian Rapoport
- Geno Smith stats (2022-2023): 4,282 passing yards, 30 TD, 11 INT, 100.9 passer rating
Smith made just $3.5 million last season. The franchise tag number Rapoport alluded to is $32,445,000, which the quarterback will get under the current CBA guidelines for QB franchise tags heading into next season. However, that will be a lost resort and the team will likely try to work out a deal with a lower annual rate for multiple seasons.