The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to the future of quarterback Geno Smith. After a remarkable 2022 season that saw him make a stunning comeback and earn a Pro Bowl nod, Smith followed up with a solid, but not elite, performance in 2023 and 2024. With his contract set to expire soon and Seattle’s front office eyeing both immediate success and long-term stability, the team faces a critical decision.
Geno Smith’s 2022 season was nothing short of a revelation. After years as a backup, he stepped into the starting role left vacant by Russell Wilson and delivered a career-best performance. Smith threw for over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to a playoff berth and silencing doubters. However, his subsequent seasons have not quite lived up to that breakout year.
In 2023 and 2024, Smith showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. While his numbers remained respectable — averaging around 3,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns per season — turnovers became an issue, and questions arose about his ability to lead Seattle deep into the playoffs. The Seahawks’ offense, while productive, seemed to hit a ceiling, raising doubts about whether Smith is the long-term answer at quarterback.
The Seahawks’ front office is now faced with a difficult choice: do they double down on Geno Smith, banking on him to rediscover his 2022 form, or do they look for a younger, high-ceiling quarterback who could lead the team for the next decade?
Several factors complicate the decision:
1. **Contract Considerations**: Smith signed a three-year deal in 2023 that was structured to allow flexibility. With his contract nearing its end, re-signing him would likely require a significant investment. Seattle must weigh whether Smith’s performance justifies another big contract or if that money would be better spent elsewhere.
2. Draft and Development: The Seahawks hold multiple high draft picks over the next two years, thanks to shrewd trades. With a strong 2025 quarterback class looming, Seattle could use their draft capital to secure a young, dynamic signal-caller. However, developing a rookie QB comes with risks, especially for a team with playoff aspirations.
3. Immediate Competitiveness: Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have built a roster capable of contending in the NFC. A move away from Smith could disrupt the team’s chemistry and set them back in the short term.
Seattle’s decision on Smith will likely hinge on how the 2024 season concludes and what options are available in the offseason. Here are three potential scenarios:
1. Extend Smith: If Smith finishes the season strong and leads the Seahawks to playoff success, the front office may opt to extend his contract. This would provide stability at the quarterback position and allow the team to focus on other roster needs. However, any extension would likely include performance-based incentives to mitigate risk.
2. Draft a Quarterback; If Seattle decides to move on from Smith, they could use one of their high draft picks to select a top quarterback prospect. This option offers long-term potential but could come with growing pains as the rookie adjusts to the NFL.
3. **Bridge Solution**: The Seahawks could also pursue a hybrid approach, signing a veteran quarterback as a short-term starter while drafting and developing a rookie. This strategy would provide flexibility and ensure the team remains competitive in the near term.
Geno Smith has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Seattle, citing the trust and support he’s received from the organization. However, Smith is also aware of the business side of the NFL. If the Seahawks decide to move on, Smith could be an attractive option for quarterback-needy teams looking for a proven veteran.
The decision on Geno Smith is about more than just one player; it’s about the future trajectory of the Seahawks. With a talented roster and one of the league’s most respected front offices, Seattle has the opportunity to position itself as a perennial contender. Whether that future includes Geno Smith remains to be seen.
As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Smith and the Seahawks. His performance, coupled with the front office’s vision, will determine whether Geno Smith remains the face of Seattle’s franchise or if the team turns the page to a new chapter. One thing is certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher.