The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back quarterback Geno Smith on a three-year contract worth $105 million, several outlets reported Monday.
The 32-year-old was set to hit unrestricted free agency after the first Pro Bowl season of his nine-year NFL career. Instead, he will remain in Seattle and average $35 million per year. The deal will include $52 million in the first year, ESPN reported.
Smith was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after taking charge of the Seahawks' offense in the first year following the Russell Wilson era and guiding them to a wild-card playoff berth.
After serving as Wilson's backup from 2019-21, Smith beat out Drew Lock for the job in the preseason and proceeded to start all 17 games, his first year as a full-time starter since his first two NFL campaigns with the New York Jets.
The veteran led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8 percent and passed for career highs of 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns along with 11 interceptions. He added 366 rushing yards and one score.
The Seahawks were clear about wanting to re-sign Smith, but Seattle coach Pete Carroll also said during the scouting combine in Indianapolis that the Seahawks are "totally connected" to the quarterbacks in the 2023 draft class. The team has the fifth pick in the draft and five selections in the top 83.
Carroll said keeping Smith and drafting a quarterback is a "definite" possibility.
In 10 NFL seasons with the Jets (2013-16), New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018) and Seahawks, Smith has thrown for 11,199 yards, 64 touchdowns and 48 interceptions with a 62.8 completion percentage. He has added 1,067 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
More must-reads: