What the market value for Seahawks QB Geno Smith looks like

This season felt like a dream at times for the Seahawks. With the cap flexibility Seattle has this offseason, Pete Carroll and John Schnieder’s dreams could become a reality before the draft even happens. That is true, especially, if it means re-signing Geno Smith.

In years past, Schneider and Carroll have proven that the two are quick to cut players or let players walk in pursuit of continuously improving the roster. That previously established track record could likely continue this offseason as Seattle has 26 impending free agents and some key players looking for new contracts. But one player is more important than the others.

The name that looms more significant than all others is the Seahawk’s newly established Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith. According to spotrac.com, Geno’s estimated market value is 39.3 million dollars annually. Even though Geno is a big supporter of Pete Carroll’s humble pie, Smith holds the keys in negotiations after his play in his first season as the full-time starter.

What it might cost the Seahawks to re-sign Geno Smith

With nearly 48 million dollars in cap space before the expected expansion in the salary cap, the Seahawks’ free agency plans will be influenced by Smith’s decision. Pete Carroll has expressed his desire to keep Geno in town numerous times. Assuming Seattle does get a deal done, let’s consider what it would cost.

If the Seahawks can get a deal done with Smith, Seattle likely would only be willing to strike a multi-year deal if Geno is open to taking a hometown discount. A team-friendly value for Seattle would range between 2-3 years and anywhere from 25 to 30 million dollars per year.

The good news for the Seahawks was Geno’s comments at the post-game press conference after the Wild Card playoff loss. After the game, Geno expressed to the media he wants to spend the rest of his career in Seattle. Smith’s quote was, “I want to finish my career in Seattle…Seattle embraced me, and I want to repay them for that.”

Hearing Smith’s post-game statements make me believe the Seahawks and Geno will be able to get an extension done and keep the salary cap in good condition so Seattle can continue building around him. That’s the important part for a team trying to get a bit younger. Adding veteran free agents needs to be part of any successful equation as well.

If Seattle is not capable of re-signing Geno Smith, the Seahawks could always franchise-tag Smith. As it stands, the franchise tag would cost the Seahawks about 30.6 million dollars. With that taking nearly half of Seattle’s available cap space, Pete Carroll and John Schnieder will likely focus on trying to get a deal done with Geno prior to having to be forced to place the franchise tag on him.