Seattle Seahawks Double Down on Geno Smith: A Winning Formula?
Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a decisive move that could very well define their immediate future. In a bold show of confidence, they inked quarterback Geno Smith to a robust three-year deal. Valued at an average of $25 million per season, with $40 million fully guaranteed, this contract places Smith as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL based on average annual value (AAV).
Despite having the option for significant salary cap relief, the Seahawks chose to guarantee $12.7 million to retain Smith for the 2024 season. This commitment came at the cost of a potential $14 million cap savings had they opted to release him. This decision underscores the team's trust in Smith's ability to lead and deliver on the field.
A Strategic Gamble
Seattle's front office displayed strategic audacity not only by securing Smith but also by their actions in the draft and the trade market. Rather than drafting a young quarterback, the Seahawks traded for former Washington Commanders' quarterback Sam Howell and signed PJ Walker to bolster their quarterback depth chart.
Smith, meanwhile, has the numbers to back up Seattle’s faith. His 2022 campaign was nothing short of impressive. Leading the league with a 69.8% completion rate, he threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, guiding the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth. His performance was rewarded with a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection.
Continued Excellence
In the 2023 season, Smith once again proved his mettle, amassing 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions across 15 games. The Seahawks achieved an 8-7 record with Smith at the helm, earning him back-to-back Pro Bowl honors. As he approaches his 34th birthday, Smith still exudes confidence and a desire for continual improvement, encapsulated in his own words: "Still getting better."
Financial Implications
However, the Seahawks' commitment to Smith extends beyond personal achievements. The team's financial health and strategic foresight are equally crucial. According to OverTheCap.com, Seattle will be $25.6 million over the salary cap for the 2025 season. This looming fiscal challenge necessitates proactive solutions, one of which could be crafting an incentive-laden package for Smith this year.
The efficacy of such a package could not only better align Smith’s compensation with his performance but also provide the Seahawks some much-needed financial flexibility. Given the projected pick of the 11th overall selection in the 2025 draft according to sportsbook odds, the Seahawks must navigate their financial and roster-building strategies with precision.
As murmurs about the 2025 draft begin to circulate, the broader narrative points to a franchise fully invested in its current quarterback while being cognizant of the financial landscape. The sentiment of revisiting the negotiating table next year further illustrates a vision of adaptability and forward-thinking within the Seahawks' front office.
Smith's sustained performance has not only instilled confidence but also highlighted a longer-term vision for the Seahawks. As the team and its quarterback continue on this trajectory, Seattle's blend of faith in its quarterback and shrewd financial planning may well set the stage for continued success.