Barnwell: The Path the Seahawks Should Take with Geno Smith
As the Seattle Seahawks navigate their offseason strategy, one of the most critical decisions facing the franchise revolves around quarterback Geno Smith. After a career resurgence in Seattle, Smith’s 2024 season was a mixed bag of highs and lows, leaving the Seahawks at a crossroads about how to approach their future with him at the helm. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently outlined the path the Seahawks should take with Smith, offering insights into how Seattle can build a sustainable path forward while keeping their competitive window open.
Geno Smith’s 2022 breakout season, where he earned Pro Bowl honors and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, felt like the beginning of a Cinderella story. Replacing longtime franchise quarterback Russell Wilson, Smith not only filled big shoes but exceeded expectations, leading the Seahawks to the playoffs. The organization rewarded him with a three-year, $75 million contract in 2023, signifying confidence in his ability to lead the team.
However, the 2024 season presented challenges. Smith struggled with consistency, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, the Seahawks’ offense often sputtered against elite defenses. He finished the season with a respectable but unspectacular stat line, leaving some to wonder if Seattle had already seen his peak.
Barnwell argues that despite the ups and downs, Smith remains a valuable asset, but the Seahawks must approach their future with him strategically.
Barnwell emphasizes that Smith’s experience and leadership make him a stabilizing force in a league where quality quarterback play is hard to come by. The Seahawks have built an offense that suits Smith’s strengths, featuring a strong running game led by Kenneth Walker III and an exciting receiving corps that includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
“Smith is more than capable of leading this team to success when given the right support,” Barnwell writes. “His ability to read defenses, extend plays, and make accurate throws downfield is something the Seahawks can continue to lean on.”
However, Barnwell also warns against fully committing to Smith as the long-term answer, suggesting that Seattle must prepare for a future where Smith’s performance could decline.
One of the key components of Barnwell’s proposed path involves striking a balance between relying on Smith and preparing for life after him. He suggests the Seahawks should seriously consider drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, even if it means using a high pick.
“The Seahawks have the luxury of planning ahead,” Barnwell explains. “They don’t need to immediately replace Smith, but drafting and developing a young quarterback behind him is a smart way to ensure continuity.”
With Seattle likely picking in the middle of the first round, Barnwell points to prospects such as Oregon’s Bo Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. as potential targets. Both quarterbacks possess the tools to thrive in Seattle’s offense and would benefit from sitting behind Smith for a season or two before taking over.
Beyond addressing the quarterback position, Barnwell emphasizes the importance of reinforcing other areas of the roster. The Seahawks’ offensive line showed improvement in 2024, thanks in part to the development of Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, but it remains a unit that could benefit from additional depth.
Defensively, Seattle has promising young pieces in Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, but Barnwell suggests adding a dominant interior pass rusher to elevate the unit further.
“Building around Smith isn’t just about the offense,” Barnwell notes. “A stronger defense and a more consistent offensive line will make life easier for any quarterback, whether it’s Smith or his eventual successor.”
Ultimately, Barnwell advises the Seahawks to take a pragmatic approach to Smith’s future. By keeping him as the starter while developing a young quarterback and strengthening the roster, Seattle can remain competitive in the NFC West and position itself for long-term success.
“Geno Smith has been a fantastic story for the Seahawks, and he’s earned the right to lead this team,” Barnwell concludes. “But the NFL is about planning ahead, and Seattle can’t afford to be caught off guard when the time comes to move on. By balancing the present with the future, they can set themselves up for sustained success.”
For Seahawks fans, the path forward may be complex, but Barnwell’s blueprint provides a clear vision: respect Geno Smith’s contributions while building for what comes next. It’s a strategy that could keep Seattle relevant for years to come.