Geno Smith Has Officially Written Back After Signing A 3-Year Contract Extension Worth $105 Million To Stay In Seattle
What a perfect contract resolution for all sides. Geno Smith knows the volatile nature of NFL job security. He had to wait years to prove he could be a viable starting quarterback, and what a fucking payoff.
No matter which direction the Seattle Seahawks choose to go in the 2023 NFL Draft with the fifth overall pick, they've fully committed to Geno for at least one season. Likely two. That's plenty of time to get a feel for his career trajectory, which is admittedly skewed by his Comeback Player of the Year performance from the 2022 campaign.
Geno's story is pretty well-documented by this point. I'll never not be impressed by his bold proclamation after knocking off his predecessor Russell Wilson in Week 1:
That really is one of the best sports-related quotes I've ever heard. But to go out for 16 more games, back it up, and lead an allegedly rebuilding team to the playoffs? Have a damn year, Geno Smith. That's sick.
What a smart move by Seattle to frontload Geno's deal and create maximum flexibility going forward. My thinking is the Seahawks will draft Anthony Richardson if he's there in the top five. I don't think the other three top QB prospects are as much of a fit in the Emerald City. Another option would be to select Tennessee's Hendon Hooker on Day 2, or wait even longer to find a viable, young backup to develop.
Update: More details from NFL Media's Mike Garafolo:
If Geno is getting this much in AAV, I can't imagine Daniel Jones is going to get the $45 million per year he's currently commanding. Danny Dimes and his representatives must be sick over this Geno deal more than anyone else.
Congratulations, Geno Smith. You kept working at your craft and waiting for your opportunity longer than most folks could reasonably expected you to. During those years of sparse playing, the on-field evidence shows you put in serious work and made huge improvements. The vast majority of us in your shoes would've thrown in the towel, tried to hit the coaching grind, or settled for a well-compensated TV gig. You kept plugging away and now you'll be wealthy beyond the wildest dreams you probably could've had even a few years ago.
When the "Let Russ Cook" movement petered out, Geno stepped up and dished out dimes all season long.
Come on. Assuming Geno remains this caliber of player, his contract is a steal — and perhaps it's structured in such a way so that Seattle can reward him with even more money should this prove to be more than a possible one-year wonder.
There was this prevailing narrative late last season that Geno had been figured out. Well, the Seahawks kept suffering injuries to their offensive backfield, and their defense wound up ranked 25th in total yards and 24th in points allowed. Seattle making even marginal improvements on that side of the ball will do wonders for Geno.
Another benefit to the whole situation is the continuity Geno will enjoy in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's system. You know, the same play-caller DangeRuss deemed not good enough so as to force a trade to Denver. Not before trying to get Carroll and GM John Schneider fired (REPORTEDLY).
Anyway, let's not make this about Russ. Let's celebrate Geno. Shout out to the 12s!! Fuck yeah!!!