Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has found himself in the midst of uncertainty regarding his future with the team. With a contract worth $12.7 million that is set to become fully guaranteed, Smith was informed that he will remain on Seattle’s roster through this week, according to sources.
Smith’s contract includes a $12.7 million base salary for next season, which will become fully guaranteed on Friday, provided he remains on the roster. Initially, when Smith signed his three-year, $75 million deal last March, this money was guaranteed for injury only. However, the situation has changed, and Smith will now collect the full amount. Nevertheless, his future with the Seahawks is still uncertain, as the team has the option to trade him before March 18.
In addition to the guaranteed base salary, Smith is also set to receive a $9.6 million roster bonus on March 18 and a $200,000 workout bonus. Despite these financial incentives, Smith’s earnings for the 2024 season, totaling $22.5 million, rank 18th among quarterbacks. Furthermore, his $31.2 million cap charge for next season places him 12th among quarterbacks.
The Seahawks made the decision to guarantee Smith’s $12.7 million based on the belief that his value may be significant for them or any other team seeking to acquire him via trade. In today’s market, starting quarterbacks’ salaries have been increasing, and Seattle saw an opportunity to capitalize on Smith’s potential worth.
During his first season as Seattle’s full-time starter in 2022, Smith made the Pro Bowl and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He impressed by throwing an NFL record seven go-ahead touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime in 2023 and achieved the best Total QBR over the final six weeks of the season. However, his performance dipped this past season, with fewer touchdown passes and a decrease in Total QBR.
Smith concluded the 2002 season ranking seventh in Total QBR but dropped to 14th this past season. He received a Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement. Given the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s future, his up-and-down performance, and the recent changes in Seattle’s power structure, it is unclear whether he will continue as the team’s starter under new head coach Mike Macdonald. Additionally, general manager John Schneider’s acquisition decision-making authority adds another layer of ambiguity to Smith’s future with the Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a crossroads regarding quarterback Geno Smith. Despite guaranteeing his $12.7 million base salary for the upcoming season, the team is still open to trading him. Smith’s performance has been a mixed bag, experiencing highs and lows throughout his tenure as a starter. With a change in coaching staff and the reassignment of decision-making authority, the Seahawks are evaluating their options. Whether Smith remains with the team or is traded to another franchise, his future in the NFL hangs in the balance.
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