What to do about Geno Smith? That is perhaps the biggest decision the Seattle Seahawks have this offseason. The quarterback wants an extension, and the team isn't quite ready to do that. In fact, Seattle could release Smith and save $25 million if the organization does not believe Smith can lead the team to deep postseason success.
Based on Smith's mistakes in the red zone this year, Seattle might have an argument that it is better to find another bridge quarterback, save some cash, and take their potential long-term QB in the 2025 NFL draft. Unfortunately, this year's draft class of quarterbacks does not appear as good as last year's.
Seattle has a few options. One is obviously to stick with Smith for one more year. Another is to sign a free agent quarterback. The other is to choose a quarterback in the draft, make them the immediate starter, and let 2025 be another transitional year in hopes the young quarterback is ready for stardom by 2026.
Could Drew Lock be the Seattle Seahawks answer to replacing Geno Smith?
If Seattle decides to let Smith walk and sign a free agent quarterback, the team is not going to spend a lot of money. Still, the $25 million saved by letting Smith go could go toward an inexpensive free agent QB as well as a few other players. One of the potential free agent quarterbacks Seattle might be interested in is former Seahawks QB Drew Lock.
Lock left last offseason to sign with the New York Giants in hopes he had a fair shot at earning the QB1 job. He didn't really get a fair shake, however. Daniel Jones was expensive in New York and the team wanted to give him one last chance. He washed out and was eventually given his release. Instead of immediately making Lock the starter, though, New York replaced Jones with Tommy DeVito.
That was a mistake. DeVito was no better than Jones. Lock did get his chance to start after DeVito was injured, but Lock was not overly successful either. It took him a few games to get good. But in Week 17, Lock was not simply good, he was great. Likely good enough to win NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
In a 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Lock threw for four touchdowns and ran for another. His quarterback rating was an astounding 155.3. It's not like the Colts are bad, either. They were fighting for their playoff lives and expected to beat a Giants team that had only won twice entering the game. Lock made sure the Colts did not win.
Lock was not good enough over the course of the season to demand a big contract. He is only making $5 million in 2024 and could make less next season. His number would be affordable to the Seahawks, and much cheaper than Smith. Smith is still the better quarterback, but Seattle has to think about its immediate future and having a QB like Lock might be good for a season.