Despite the Seattle Seahawks and starting quarterback Geno Smith agreeing to terms on a contract extension, there are some around the league that believe the team will still take a QB in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
One of the biggest stories for the Seattle Seahawks heading into the offseason was making sure Smith was on the roster next season. The 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year played a massive role in their success in 2022 and earned the security of a new multi-year deal.
On Tuesday morning, Geno Smith was rewarded for his efforts with a three-year deal reportedly worth $105, including a $40 million signing bonus. With the QB position set for at least the next two seasons, it would make sense for the Seattle Seahawks to use the fifth pick in April’s draft to address a weakness on the roster ahead of next season. However, it seems they may use that high-value pick on Smith’s likely replacement.
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On Monday, Pro Football Network contributor Adam H. Beasley speculated that the Seahawks could take fast-rising prospect Anthony Richardson with the fifth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The prediction was based on comments head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schnieder made at the NFL Combine that implied they were seriously considering selecting a QB with their first selection.
Plus, Richardson is a player many believe has serious potential but likely needs to sit for a year or two in the NFL before taking on the reins of an offense.
But the speculation doesn’t just end with Beasley. On a Tuesday morning edition of “Get Up,” ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano was asked about the rumblings of the Seattle Seahawks still drafting a signal-caller after re-signing Geno Smith, and it seems that he is under the impression it is a very real possibility.
Seattle Seahawks’ new contract with Geno Smith: 3-years for $105 million
“They’ve done a lot of work on these quarterbacks. I know they were definitely doing a lot of exploring of those guys last week at the combine, knowing that they were probably going to bring Geno Smith back. Geno smith’s deal is for three years. If it’s anything like Derek Carr’s, in terms of structure, it’s effectively a two-year commitment and that means you’re still potentially looking for a long-term solution at quarterback.
“If the Seahawks find a guy in this draft they think can be their quarterback for the next decade-plus, I don’t think Geno Smith’s extension stops them from drafting him.”
– Dan Graziano
Considering his skill set and where the Seattle Seahawks pick in April, Richardson would make a lot of sense for the organization, if he is still available at five — which is no longer a guarantee.
Geno Smith turns 33 in October, so making a switch to a younger quarterback in two years is a sound strategy for the Seahawks because Smith would be closing in on 40 and likely well passed his prime year by 2025.