Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is set to enter the 2023 offseason as a free agent and seems to have chosen the best possible time to do so after experiencing a career season that almost no one saw coming.
However, much to the relief of Seahawks fans, it sure sounds like Smith will be staying put in Seattle, as contract talks between the two sides appear to be going very well. That’s especially great news since it had appeared Seattle may allow Smith to test the free-agent waters based on comments made by head coach Pete Carroll.
Here’s what Smith had to say on Friday during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“We’ve had talks and we’re in the process of getting all that settled right now. It’s looking very good. We think we can get some things done, but obviously those things take time.”
Geno Smith on contract talks with Seattle (H/T CBS Sports)
To hear a quote so positive this early in the offseason is a great sign of what Smith has ultimately hoped for — to finish his career in Seattle. And most would probably say this would be well-deserved for what was an excellent, unexpected comeback story for the potential NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
The journeyman signal-caller is coming off by far his best season as a pro, breaking the Seahawks’ record for passing yards in a season, a mark previously held by franchise legend Russell Wilson. Smith also led the NFL with a 69.8% completion percentage and was the only quarterback in the NFL to take every offensive snap for his team this season.
That’s nearly unheard of for QBs in the modern NFL and something to possibly put on a banner and tack to the wall in the negotiation room.
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Projecting what Geno Smith’s contract might look like
While Seattle could place the franchise tag on Smith, that appears unlikely, given the above quote by Smith himself. Considering he’s already saying things like “it’s looking very good” before the Super Bowl has even been played, all signs likely point to a new contract.
So what would that contract look like? According to Spotrac, Smith’s market value is forecasted at a two-year, $78-million deal with an AAV of $39.3 million.
The second portion is really the key, as Smith’s agent will almost certainly be looking for more years — especially given his client’s age — as this will likely be the 32-year-old’s last splash on the open market unless he miraculously pulls off a Tom Brady and defies father time into his 40s.
So whether it ends up being four years or possibly more, Smith’s comments have already given an indication he very much likes what he’s hearing.