Long-term commitment to the Seahawks for Geno Smith is unlikely

Geno Smith tried to work out an extension this summer, but it quickly became clear the Seahawks had no interest. As a result, the veteran quarterback will play the 2025 season, the final season of his three-year, $75 million contract negotiated last spring.

That pact calls for $25 million in compensation for the 2025 season, including a $10 million roster bonus that is scheduled to take effect shortly after the start of the new league year in March. Since Smith’s base salary is not guaranteed for the current year, there is an opportunity for Seattle to move on if the team decides to do so. That would be a surprise, but another multi-year commitment is not to be expected at this point.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson writes that 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 near future. A short-term deal that allows Smith to increase his 2025 earnings with new guarantees would be a sensible approach given his ability to command a position at the top of the QB depth chart over the last three years .

There were questions about Seattle’s future at the position afterward Russell Wilson But Smith has proven to be a capable backup, with a resume that now includes Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2022 and Pro Bowl nods for each of the last two seasons. The West Virginia product has posted a slight decline in passer rating (88.9) and a disappointing touchdown-to-interception ratio (13:12) this year as the Seahawks have struggled up front and in the ground game. Still, Seattle sits at the top of the NFC West with a record of 7-5, making a second playoff berth in the last three years entirely possible.

A strong move down the stretch would help Smith’s case in securing at least a higher compensation package in the short term. His AAV of $25 million ranks 19th among quarterbacks, although age is of course a factor working against the 34-year-old in that regard. A move to the top of the market (which is currently $60 million per season) would require a massive raise, but a gradual increase – via new guarantees and/or incentives – could be feasible but still a challenge for a Seahawks- Be the team that is currently projected to be over the cap next season. Former commander’s conscript Sam Howell is under contract for next year, but is undoubtedly still viewed as a backup option by Seattle at this point.

Smith said in October he planned to play 20 seasons in the NFL. Reaching this mark will require several new contracts in the future, the first of which could be drawn up this winter. How negotiations go on that front will be crucial for the Seahawks if they want to keep Smith but also leave the door open for a successor in the not-too-distant future.