Last March, the Seattle Seahawks made a pivotal decision, reaffirming their faith in quarterback Geno Smith by signing him to a three-year extension valued at $25 million per season, with $40 million of that sum fully guaranteed. This strategic move solidified Smith's position as the team's starting quarterback, placing him as the 20th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value.
Smith's journey with the Seahawks has been marked by notable achievements and challenges alike. In the 2022 season, Smith demonstrated his prowess by leading the league with a 69.8% completion rate. He racked up 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, steering the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and securing a playoff berth. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl.
Continuing his strong form, Smith delivered another commendable performance in the 2023 season, amassing 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Though the Seahawks concluded the season with an 8-7 record, Smith's consistent excellence ensured his selection for the Pro Bowl once again.
Despite Smith's individual success, the Seahawks face significant financial challenges. With the team projected to be $25.6 million over the salary cap for 2025, as highlighted by OverTheCap.com, tough decisions loom on the horizon. The franchise opted to secure Smith for the 2024 season by guaranteeing $12.7 million to keep him on the roster, foregoing a potential $14 million in cap savings had they chosen to release him.
This financial commitment illustrates Seattle's confidence in Smith’s abilities and leadership. Smith, approaching his 34th birthday, remains focused on continual improvement. "Still getting better," he asserts, showcasing his dedication to perfect his craft and contribute to the team's success.
Interestingly, the Seahawks passed on selecting a quarterback in the draft, instead opting to trade for Sam Howell and sign PJ Walker. This decision underscores their current commitment to Smith, even as they explore alternative options for building depth at the quarterback position.
In the bigger picture, Seattle's front office is contemplating creative solutions to navigate their salary cap predicament. One idea that has been floated is crafting an incentive package for Smith this year. This approach could potentially alleviate some financial strain while simultaneously motivating Smith to maintain his high-level performance.
Moreover, projections indicate that the Seahawks could have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft. This positioning affords the team an opportunity to strategically plan for the future, possibly eyeing top talent to reinforce their roster in subsequent seasons.
As the Seahawks brace for the financial hurdles of 2025, the sentiment within the organization and among fans is cautiously optimistic. The author of the article hints at a willingness to renegotiate terms, encapsulated in the sentiment, "Let's meet at the negotiating table next year."
Overall, the Seahawks’ decision to invest in Geno Smith signals their belief in his capabilities as a leader and playmaker. With the combination of Smith's dedication to improvement and the front office's strategic maneuvers, Seattle aims to navigate through their financial constraints while remaining competitive in the NFL landscape.