Extend Geno Smith, roll with Sam Howell, or roll the dice in the draft?
Other than signing a free agent this offseason — which seems highly unlikely — those are the three options for Seahawks general manager John Schneider to consider as this season continues.
While Smith has another year remaining on his deal, the 2025 salary cap hit currently sits at $38.5 million.
That’s not going to happen.
Smith, 33, will almost certainly be either released or extended this offseason. The question is, have Schneider and his new head coach Mike Macdonald seen enough, one way or the other?
Smith’s management group reportedly approached Seattle about an extension during training camp. Schneider, when asked if a new deal had been discussed, flatly said, “No.”
Since then, the price may have gone up while passing stats of the league’s quarterbacks have trended down so far this season. Prior to Monday night’s games, Smith was third in the NFL in average yards per game (262.3) and seventh in QBR (61.9) while leading Seattle to a 3-0 start.
Aside from two interceptions that came when he was hit — he probably should have taken sacks on those — he’s played like an upper third-type of quarterback. Folks, those guys make $50 million a year these days.
Is he worth that? And who gets cut in the offseason to make room under the cap for such a contract? Do you sign him now to avoid the inevitable inflation that will continue with quarterbacks? Unless Schneider has already decided to go a different — cheaper — option next year, these are questions he’ll need to answer at some point.
Smith, who wore the “bust” and “backup” labels at times, said he’s never really had down moments despite the adversity during parts of his career.
“I trust myself — I trust my preparation,” said Smith after beating the Dolphins on Sunday. “I trust the type of player I am, so my confidence never waivers at any time.”
“A lot of people would love to be in my shoes, so that perspective helped me not have down moments.”
Categorized:Seahawks
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