Why the Seattle Seahawks should franchise tag QB Geno Smith

Salary flexibility for Seahawks in negotiation

I know reading salary flexibility seems contradicting as franchise tagging Geno Smith would deduct $32M from Seattle’s available $51M heading into the offseason. But, it’s not meant to carry that connotation.

Rather, it gives the Seahawks flexibility to work something out with Geno Smith long-term. If the non-exclusive franchise tag were given to Geno Smith, Seattle would have until July 15th to work something out. One advantage of that, is it grants Seattle more time to see what happens in the quarterback market.

By franchising Geno Smith and having about 4 months to either finalize a long-term deal, retain him at $32M or decline to match another team’s offer and lose him, the Seahawks can see what comps get paid. One of them being Daniel Jones. If he gets $45M/per year, Seattle should cross their fingers and pray another team doesn’t offer that to Geno. If so, good riddance Geno, even though I love you.

Other quarterbacks to keep in mind are Derek Carr and Jimmy Graoppolo. Now, Geno certainly had a better year than all three of those aforementioned, but if one of them were to sign a long-term deal, it would at least give the Seahawks a starting point in negotiations.

Based on his production in 2022, Geno Smith is going to want to get paid as a top-10 quarterback. Which, was the level of play he performed at. But, one good year doesn’t erase the past. I always felt Geno and the Seahawks should help each other in working out a 3-year, $95 million dollar deal.

Nonetheless, the flexibility here comes from Seattle having the ability to see what the market is and act accordingly. As supposed to not tagging Geno Smith and potentially letting him walk away for nothing or pinning themselves in a corner and paying Geno top-notch out of desperation.