Seahawks reportedly made decision on Geno Smith's future

After an impressive season leading the team to the NFL playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to make re-signing Geno Smith to a multiyear deal a priority in the offseason.

Ahead of the Seattle's playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Seahawks have every intention of making sure they continue their relationship with Smith into next season.

“My understanding is the team wants that [feel-good story] to continue. I’m told Geno Smith will be back in Seattle in 2023. He is genuine, he is well-liked, [and] he has played great. He’s also a free agent so they’re gonna try to work on a new deal. There is also the franchise tag available. Expect them to use that if it is necessary. [The] $30-plus million would be double what Geno has made in his career.”

Smith made just $3.5 million last season. The franchise-tag number Rapoport alluded is the $32,445,000 that Smith is likely to get under the guidelines of the current CBA for the franchise tag on the QB position. However, that will be a last resort, and the team will likely try to work out a deal with a lower annual rate for multiple seasons.

The Seahawks entered the 2022-23 season with low expectations. They traded franchise legend Russell Wilson in the offseason and cut eight-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner. The organization seemed in the early stages of a rebuild. However, quarterback Smith was a major part in helping the team be one of the biggest surprises in the league this season.

The journeyman QB led the team to a 9-8 record and a spot against the San Francisco 49ers on NFL Super Wild Card Weekend. Smith earned his first Pro Bowl honors in a season that will likely include winning Comeback Player of the Year. What made it all the more impressive was he put up far better numbers this season than the future Hall of Famer he replaced.

Smith’s career year came at the perfect time with him set to return to free agency after the season, and it seems the Seattle Seahawks are willing to pay up to keep the 32-year-old on the roster for several more seasons.