Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant commitment to quarterback Geno Smith, inking him to a three-year extension valued at $25 million annually, with $40 million fully guaranteed. Smith's current deal places him as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value (AAV). Despite his earnings ranking, Smith's performance has been nothing short of commendable, proving the Seahawks' investment a calculated risk.
Seattle's Strategic Moves
Choosing to retain Smith for the 2024 season, Seattle guaranteed $12.7 million to secure his place on the roster. This decision came at the cost of a potential $14 million cap savings had they opted to release him. The Seahawks, showing faith in their veteran quarterback, bypassed the opportunity to draft a new quarterback. Instead, they traded for Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker, bolstering their quarterback depth and banking on Smith's continued leadership and performance.
Smith's Standout Seasons
In the 2022 season, Smith demonstrated his elite capabilities, leading the league with a 69.8% completion rate. He threw for an impressive 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, guiding his team to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth. His stellar play earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, cementing his status as a top-tier quarterback.
The 2023 season saw Smith continue his high-level performance. He threw for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, steering the Seahawks to an 8-7 record and once again securing Pro Bowl honors. Approaching his 34th birthday, Smith remains a critical component of Seattle's ambitions.
Financial Challenges and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Seahawks face financial challenges. They are projected to be $25.6 million over the salary cap for 2025, according to OverTheCap.com. Given these constraints, the idea of crafting an incentive package for Smith this year has been suggested as a potential solution. Such a move could provide both financial flexibility for the team and additional motivation for Smith.
Additionally, Seattle is forecasted to have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, according to sportsbook odds. This strategic positioning could enable the Seahawks to acquire crucial talent to support their seasoned quarterback.
Smith's Perspective
Through it all, Smith remains optimistic about his growth and future. His sentiment, encapsulated in the simple yet profound statement, "Still getting better," mirrors the belief the Seahawks have in him. As for the future contract negotiations, the tone is one of mutual understanding and anticipation, with the article’s author capturing the sentiment, "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year."
As the Seahawks navigate their financial intricacies and draft strategies, Geno Smith's commitment and performance will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their quest for success. With a foundation built on calculated risks and strategic moves, Seattle aims to strike the perfect balance between financial sustainability and on-field excellence.