How the Seattle Seahawks can close the gap with the San Francisco 49ers

Seahawks re-signing Geno Smith is the right move

The Seattle Seahawks’ situation is slightly different from the San Francisco 49ers in 2018 as they did not have a top 5 pick in the draft. Given the rarity of this high pick for Seattle, it would make sense for them to strongly consider a quarterback. The 2022 class is headlined by Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson. But, the Seahawks also have major problems on the defensive line. Similar to San Francisco in 2019 when they passed on quarterbacks and drafted Nick Bosa.

Also, like San Fransisco, Seattle has put the right pieces around Geno through the draft. Looking back at the amazing 2022 NFL Draft, Seattle acquired multiple starters. Nearly all of their draft picks popped in their rookie season and made major contributors to this ball club. Charles Cross and Abe Lucas now protect the boundaries of the offensive line. Kenneth Walker III is going to be the lead back of this group for the next couple of years. Tariq Woolen solidified his position as CB1 on this roster. Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, and Dareke Young will continue to make strides in their Sophomore season.

Not to mention, they already have all-league talent on this roster in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, and Jordyn Brooks. Does it make sense for Seattle to invest pick number 5 in an unproven quarterback? Or, do they stick with Geno for the near future and try to build a team around him?

When the quarterback gets paid max dollars, it has a tremendous effect on the rest of your team. You handicap yourself salary-wise and limit your avenues to improvement for other positions. The three biggest cap hits in the 2023 season for quarterbacks are Deshaun Watson ($54.9M), Patrick Mahomes ($49.2M), and Dak Prescott ($49.1M). If Geno and the Seahawks work out a long-term deal, he’ll probably be getting roughly $40M per year, making him the 8th highest-paid QB. But, that could change as we await to see what Daniel Jones and Derek Carr receive.

The point is that in a league where the cap goes up every year, bringing back Geno at $40M/per year will be considered a bargain by next off-season. Especially, when you take into consideration that Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Joe Burrow are all going to get extended. At the very minimum, those guys will be getting $50M/per year.

Now, if Seattle is absolutely in love with one of these rookie quarterbacks, this is all moot. But, for argument’s sake, it would make sense for the Seahawks to re-sign Geno and continually improve the other positions on this team through the draft. When the time comes to find his replacement, they can also follow in the footsteps of the 49ers.

This past off-season the 49ers restructured Jimmy Garoppolo’s deal. Primarily because in 2021, they made a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire pick number 3 in the draft, resulting in Trey Lance. Realizing they got the most out of Garoppolo and also considering his injury history, the 49ers made a splash and moved on because the timing was right. Does it feel right to move off Geno after he had a career year? He’s rarely hurt and can produce at a high level for another 3 years in Seattle.