The Seahawks nonetheless have an extended offseason forward full of adverse selections – a few of that are fairly thrilling – however they managed to examine the most important process off Monday: work out the quarterback scenario.

Seahawks, QB Geno Smith conform to phrases on contract extension

That doesn’t imply they’re performed there. However earlier than we get to what’s subsequent, right here’s what you might want to know:

Geno Smith and the Seahawks agreed to phrases on a contract extension, reported to be a three-year, $105 million deal by The Rating’s Jordan Schultz. The common annual worth works out to $35 million, or a number of million north of this 12 months’s $32.4 million franchise tag for QBs. Per ESPN, that features potential earnings of $52 million within the first 12 months. The crew confirmed the information Monday night however extra particulars, together with assured cash and details about this 12 months’s wage cap hit, haven’t but been reported.

Smith, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal final March, earned his first Professional Bowl nod and was named Comeback Participant of the 12 months in 2022. He was considered one of 4 quarterbacks to throw for 30 or extra touchdowns and likewise set Seahawks franchise data for single-season passing yards (4,282), completions (399) and completion share (69.8%). That completion price additionally led the league.

The deal caps off one of many season’s finest tales: Smith, who spent six years as a backup and has earned $17.5 million over the course of his nine-year profession, has a chance to almost triple that complete in a single 12 months. The reward concurrently provides Seattle safety on offense in 2023 and sparks a debate about whether or not Smith can lead the crew to a Tremendous Bowl.

Seahawks betting on Geno Smith results in an enormous query

May the Seahawks nonetheless draft a QB?

That is extra about what comes subsequent for Seattle, as a result of secondary as to whether Smith may be the man long-term is whether or not that man for Seattle might nonetheless be on this 12 months’s draft.

Figuring out this entrance workplace, followers nonetheless shouldn’t rule out the opportunity of the Seahawks choosing a quarterback. There’s historical past, temptation and up to date perception from each common supervisor John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll.

The Seahawks drafted Russell Wilson in 2012 after signing free agent Matt Flynn to a three-year deal. Context stays essential: Wilson was a third-round choose, whereas Smith’s 2022 season was higher than something Inexperienced Bay noticed from then-backup Flynn – and it’s not shut. Smith isn’t a backup getting his shot with a brand new crew; fairly, he’s a starter already a lot accustomed to the playbook and this system, and any drafted rookie may have a tricky time prying that gig away. This historical past lesson is much less a couple of direct comp to Flynn and Wilson and extra a reminder that Schneider and Carroll aren’t afraid to take dangers in the event that they like a participant sufficient (see: trades for Jamal Adams, Jimmy Graham, and Percy Harvin).

That’s why temptation and a few current perception from Carroll and Schneider grow to be essential components. The Seahawks have secured a Professional Bowl veteran at quarterback. Additionally they have the No. 5 total choose within the first spherical of subsequent month’s NFL Draft, which might be the very best choose of Carroll and Schneider’s tenure.

“The place we’re in, we’re completely related to the quarterbacks which can be popping out,” Carroll mentioned final week on the NFL Scouting Mix when requested whether or not the crew might draft a quarterback fifth total. “It is a actually enormous alternative for us. It’s a uncommon alternative. We’ve been drafting within the low 20s for such a very long time; you simply don’t get the prospect with these guys, so we’re deeply concerned with all that.”

When Schneider was later requested why Seattle would contemplate drafting a quarterback when – on this hypothetical – they might have signed Smith to a brand new deal, his reply was blunt.

“As a result of they don’t develop on bushes.”

Seattle might go the route of Kansas Metropolis or Inexperienced Bay in years previous: draft a quarterback within the first spherical and let him sit behind an older veteran. A participant like Florida’s Anthony Richardson, who boosted his personal draft inventory with a formidable mix displaying, could possibly be obtainable within the latter half of the highest 10 if Seattle have been to commerce again.

Nonetheless, a first-round choose on a quarterback feels much less possible now when you think about what Seattle should do subsequent this offseason.

Subsequent up: Protection

If determining quarterback was the primary process, bettering this protection is the second. And with free company simply over every week away, the Seahawks will waste little time addressing it.

Seattle’s go protection improved 12 months over 12 months, going from thirty first to seventeenth. That was partially because of a Professional Bowl season from rookie nook Tariq Woolen and stable play from Seattle’s different starters. However it might even have been as a result of groups might run throughout Seattle’s protection. Solely Chicago and Houston allowed extra speeding yards per sport, and so they’re the groups trying on the prime two picks on this 12 months’s draft.

Worse nonetheless is that a lot of holes are opening within the entrance seven with defensive deal with Poona Ford and linebacker Cody Barton set to grow to be free brokers and linebacker Jordyn Brooks nonetheless recovering from a torn ACL. The Seahawks presumably have a bit much less cash to spend now – although they may nonetheless must dip into free company – however they personal loads of draft capital (10 picks complete, with 4 within the first two rounds) to deal with wants at inside linebacker and on the line of defense.

What else is there to do on this section of the offseason?

Seattle entered the week with the eighth-most wage cap house at round $23 million. We’re nonetheless ready on particulars about Smith’s cap hit underneath his new deal, however we all know at the very least a part of this can go towards drafted gamers later this spring.

Now comes offers for pending free brokers (does Brooks’ damage imply bringing again Barton for 2023?), and potential restructures (seven gamers may have cap hits of $10 million or extra) and cuts. Free company begins subsequent Wednesday, March 15 at 1 p.m. Pacific, with the authorized tampering interval starting Monday.

The Rating’s Jordan Schultz: “Geno actually wished to remain” with Seahawks

Follow @stacyrost