Long-term Seahawks commitment unlikely for Geno Smith

That pact calls for $25M in compensation for the 2025 campaign, including a $10M roster bonus set to kick in shortly after the start of the new league year in March. 

With none of Smith’s base salary for the year guaranteed, a window of opportunity exists for Seattle to move on if the team decides to do so. While that would represent a surprise, another multiyear commitment should also not be expected at this point.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson writes a long-term pact near the top of the QB market is much less likely than another deal aimed at providing more stability in the immediate future. A short-term deal that allows Smith to increase his 2025 earnings with new guarantees would be a reasonable approach, given the extent to which he has succeeded in filling a role atop the QB depth chart over the past three years.

Questions surrounded Seattle’s future at the position after the Russell Wilson trade, but Smith has proven to be a capable replacement with a resume now featuring the Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2022 and Pro Bowl nods for each of the past two seasons. 

The West Virginia product has seen a slight downturn in passer rating (88.9) along with an underwhelming touchdown-to-interception ratio (13:12) this year, with the Seahawks struggling up front and concerning the ground game. Still, Seattle sits atop the NFC West with a 7-5 record, and a second playoff berth in the past three years is, therefore, a distinct possibility.

Strong play down the stretch would help Smith’s case to secure at least an upgraded compensation package over the short term. His $25M AAV ranks 19th amongst quarterbacks, although age is, of course, a factor working against the 34-year-old on that front. 

A move toward the top of the market (which is now $60M per season) would require a massive raise, but an incremental one — via new guarantees and/or incentives — could be feasible but still challenging for a Seahawks team currently projected to be over the cap next season. 

Former Commanders draftee Sam Howell is under contract for next year, but he will no doubt still be seen as a backup option by Seattle at this point.

Smith said in October he plans on playing 20 seasons in the NFL. Reaching that mark will require multiple new contracts down the road, the first of which could be worked out this winter. How negotiations on that front proceed will be a key storyline for the Seahawks if they look to retain Smith but also leave the door open to a successor in the not-too-distant future.