If the Seahawks Bench Geno Smith for Sam Howell, Here’s What Smith Could Lose in Potential Earnings
The NFL is a business where performance dictates opportunity, and for quarterbacks, the stakes are even higher. Amid speculation that the Seattle Seahawks could bench Geno Smith in favor of Sam Howell due to recent struggles, the conversation has shifted to what Smith stands to lose if such a decision becomes reality. Beyond the competitive implications, there’s a significant financial dimension to consider. For Smith, a benching could impact his earnings not only this season but also for years to come.
Geno Smith’s Career Resurgence and Current Deal
Geno Smith’s journey in the NFL has been a roller coaster. After being a second-round draft pick in 2013, Smith struggled to establish himself as a franchise quarterback early in his career. However, his remarkable resurgence with the Seahawks has been one of the league’s feel-good stories. In 2022, Smith earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading Seattle to the playoffs.
That breakout season earned him a lucrative three-year, $75 million contract with Seattle, including $40 million in guarantees. The deal also includes incentives tied to performance, such as playing time, passing milestones, and team success. These bonuses have the potential to significantly increase Smith’s overall earnings.
If the Seahawks were to bench Smith for Sam Howell, the ripple effects on Smith’s finances could be severe. Here’s a breakdown of what Smith stands to lose:
Smith’s contract likely includes bonuses tied to the number of games he starts and finishes. Benching him could immediately disqualify him from earning those bonuses, which could amount to millions of dollars over the course of the season. For example, quarterbacks often have clauses awarding them six- or seven-figure bonuses for playing in at least 80-90% of their team’s offensive snaps.
Quarterback contracts frequently include incentives for hitting specific statistical benchmarks, such as passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating. If Smith is sidelined, he would miss the opportunity to pad his stats and cash in on these bonuses. Given his trajectory from last season, these incentives could have been achievable had he remained the starter.
A benching midseason would cast doubt on Smith’s viability as a long-term starting quarterback in the NFL. This could dramatically affect his ability to secure another significant contract after his current deal expires. The NFL’s quarterback market is robust, with top-tier starters earning upward of $40 million annually. Even a lower-tier starter can command $20-$30 million per year. A loss of confidence from Seattle could relegate Smith to a backup role, cutting his potential future earnings in half—or worse.
Smith’s on-field performance directly impacts his off-field earnings. As a starting quarterback, he has greater visibility, which attracts endorsement deals and marketing opportunities. Being benched would reduce his marketability, further shrinking his overall financial prospects.
While the financial implications are dire for Smith, the Seahawks’ decision would ultimately come down to performance. After starting the season strong, Smith has struggled with turnovers and inconsistency in recent weeks, leading to increased scrutiny. Meanwhile, Sam Howell, currently the Washington Commanders’ starter, has shown flashes of potential. If Seattle acquires Howell or considers benching Smith in favor of another quarterback, it would signal a pivot toward building for the future.
Geno Smith has always been a resilient competitor. If faced with the prospect of being benched, he would likely view it as another challenge to overcome. However, the stakes are undeniably high. For Smith, this isn’t just about pride or playing time—it’s about securing his financial future and proving that his 2022 season wasn’t a fluke.
The Seahawks must weigh the cost-benefit analysis carefully. Benching Smith for Howell or any other quarterback could disrupt team chemistry and alienate a player who has been a leader on and off the field. Moreover, it’s unclear whether Howell or another replacement could perform better under center, especially given Seattle’s offensive line issues and inconsistent run game.
The speculation around Geno Smith’s potential benching highlights the harsh realities of the NFL. For Smith, the financial implications could be staggering, affecting not only his immediate earnings but also his long-term career prospects. For the Seahawks, the decision isn’t just about who gives them the best chance to win now—it’s also about preserving the integrity of their franchise and keeping a key player invested in the team’s success.
Ultimately, whether Smith stays under center or watches from the sidelines, this situation underscores the fine line between success and failure in the NFL—and how much can be won or lost along the way.