The Seahawks’ devotion to quarterback Geno Smith was called into question as the offseason began. Despite the veteran’s multi-year agreement inked in the wake of his strong 2022 performance, the organization had the option of releasing or trading him with minor cap penalties.
However, Seattle’s latest moves indicate to Smith being retained for at least one more campaign. His base pay of $12.7 million has already been completely guaranteed, and the team agreed to a restructure last week. As a result of that change, Smith’s roster incentive was converted to a signing bonus, freeing up 2024 cap space and accelerating a payment due next month.
Many had referred to March 18 (when Smith’s roster bonus was set to vest) as a deadline for Seattle to work out a deal that would send Smith somewhere. With that option off the table, the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year is expected to be the Seahawks’ starter. New head coach Mike Macdonald declined to make a definite commitment in that regard prior to the reorganization, while general manager John Schneider’s comments downplayed the significance of the financial maneuvering.
“Other people made a bigger deal out of that than we did in the building,” the latter stated, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic (subscription needed). “Is he going to be here?” Is he not going to be here? He was going to be here. It’s a question of when we’ll notify him we’re doing this with his roster bonus.
Schneider noted that Smith, 33, is Seattle’s depth chart leader “until he’s not.” Backup Drew Lock is a pending free agent, although he is anticipated to look for a starting position on the open market. Lock, who was part of the Russell Wilson trade package, only had two starts in Seattle, which may limit his market appeal. Schneider is thought to have played a key part in including the former second-round pick into the Wilson deal, so a re-up is still possible. Schneider did, however, mention Seattle’s decision to go the draft route.
The 14-year GM stated that the team’s record of picking only two passers throughout his career is “not something that we’re necessarily proud of,” leaving the door open for a draft addition in April. Seattle researched the top passers from last year’s class before drafting CB Devon Witherspoon fifth overall. The team still has first-round defensive needs that outweigh the urgency of drafting Smith’s successor, especially considering his present financial predicament. While Schneider did not fully embrace the two-time Pro Bowler, his comments point to more consistency at center in 2024.
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