3 changes Seahawks should make now that Geno Smith is re-signing

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly worked out an extension with quarterback Geno Smith this week. The raw numbers equate to three years and $105 million for Smith’s new contract. $40 million of that has been reported to be guaranteed at signing, but all that money won’t count towards 2023 so how much cap room Smith takes up next season remains to be known.

But there was a safe assumption Smith would return to Seattle. He said he wanted to come back and the Seahawks made it well-known that they wanted Smith back. The deal, from what we know, seems to be a win for both sides.

But now Seattle can focus on other things other than what to do at QB. Choosing a quarterback at number 5 overall seems like a bit of waste when the team has other needs. Adding talent in free agency might also be needed to help the team during the time Geno remains quarterback of the team. Here are some changes Seattle should make now that Smith is back under contract.

Change number 1: Seahawks should release Gabe Jackson and Shelby Harris

We are still kind of waiting to see the exact breakdown of Smith’s contract extension in relation to how much it will affect the salary cap. But now that he has re-signed, Seattle needs to do something they should have already done. That is to release defensive tackle Shelby Harris and right guard Gabe Jackson. Letting both players go would open up cap space.

Harris is one of the oldest players on the roster even though he is just 31 years old. Releasing Harris isn’t needed because of his age per see, but more that his cap hit is $12,211,176 in 2023. His dead cap is $3,270,000 so the Seahawks would save almost $9 million by letting him walk. Harris isn’t a bad player but he also isn’t worth paying north of $12 million.

I am not sure why Jackson is still on the roster. My assumption is that he will be released prior to March 15th. Seattle already re-signed guard Phil Haynes this offseason which will pay Haynes a base salary of $4 million next season. Keeping Haynes and Jackson, who split snaps at right guard for most of 2022, makes zero sense.

Jackson’s cap hit is $11,262,223 in 2023 and releasing him saves Seattle $6,500,000. Between releasing Harris and Jackson, Seattle would create almost $15.5 million in cap room. Of course, cap space is malleable, so even with Geno Smith re-signing Seattle has the cap room to sign a good free agent or three but creating more cap room would be good.