Is it here? Has the regression of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith really kicked in? The 33-year-old gunslinger hasn't been able to replicate the same level of success that Seattle witnessed in his first year as the full-time starter.
It hasn't always been his fault either. For instance, last week's Thanksgiving matchup against NFC West foe San Fransisco was a brutal one for Smith as he suffered 6 sacks in the contest. The pressure got to him quickly, the 49ers kept their foot on the gas, and Smith was forced into an uncomfortable situation.
His 'didn't write back,' season from a year ago sent shockwaves throughout the league. He broke the Seahawks' all-time record for passing yards in a season with 4,282. He was elected to his first Pro Bowl, won Comeback Player of the Year, and led the league in completion percentage (69.8 percent). With even more weapons around him and some improvement on the defensive side of the ball, the expectations for Geno in Year 2 were high.
Five QBs who could be starting for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024
There is still some time for him to finish the year strong. There are six games left to be played in the regular season and at this point last year, the Seahawks had the exact same record at 6-5. They went 3-3 to close things out, narrowly squeaked into the postseason, and ultimately were eliminated by a third straight loss to San Fransisco.
The direction of this season is looking likely like a similar finish. Geno's 15:9 TD:INT ratio may be worrisome and will surely be discussed during the offseason. If he can't end the year convincingly, there may be reason to look elsewhere for 2024. Here are five likely candidates who could take over as the starter next season.
No. 1 - Drew Lock
After signing a 1-year $4 million dollar extension during the offseason, Drew Lock officially became one of the 10 highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL - and rightfully so. The former-round pick has started 21 games in his career and has found a new home in Seattle after being dealt in the Russell Wilson trade.
He's taken on a role much similar to the one Geno Smith had been in during his time as a backup. Smith learned the system, gained confidence, and clearly used his time under Wilson wisely. When he got his chance in 2022, he took it and ran.
If Lock can find his chance to regain a starting role, he might have some similar success as well. He's already shown some flashes in minimal opportunity this year. His 51-yard pass to Noah Fant against the Giants example enough.
If the Seahawks decide to go that route, they would need to re-sign Lock yet again during the offseason, and then figure out what kind of deal they want to hand out. Geno is still potentially under contract for a couple more seasons, but with the team-friendly deal that he signed in the spring, the team has the option to move on from him next year.
No. 2 - Ryan Tannehill
Alright, don't freak out. I understand that Ryan Tannehill has struggled mightily this season and it is certainly worrisome. However, I believe the 35-year-old veteran still has something left in the tank. He clearly would not be the move of the future, but bringing in the competition is something Pete always preaches.
Tannehill would be a relatively cheap option that could potentially mentor the eventual quarterback of the future. Besides the experience and wisdom, Tannehill brings leadership. He's played in over 151 games over his 11-year career. Initially drafted by Miami, Tannehill has spent the last five seasons with the Titans.
The 2020 season was arguably the best of his career. He threw for 3,819 yards, had a 33:7 TD:INT ratio, and got his team into the playoffs for the second straight year.
This season has not quite been the same. The turnover margin quickly fell into the negatives, the Titans were losing games, and eventually, an ankle injury sidelined him enough for Will Levis to come in and take over the offense. If Seattle decides to take the chance on him, he will surely be paired with a rookie who will better fit the timeline of the team.
No. 3 - Bo Nix
There isn't a general consensus as to where the potential Heisman Trophy winner, Bo Nix, will land in the upcoming NFL Draft. Wherever he does end up going, that team will be getting a day-1 starter. Nix is the most experienced college quarterback of all time. A former 5-star recruit who spent his first three seasons at Auburn, Nix showed glimpses of talent but truly came to life after transferring to Oregon.
He's thrown only 9 total interceptions in his 2-year Oregon span while contributing 66 passing touchdowns and 20 more on the ground. He ended the 2023 regular season as the nation's leader in passing yards while completing nearly 79 percent of his passes.
He can use his legs, he makes crucial checks before the play, and he is a leader. Seattle currently doesn't have a 2nd round pick, so trading for or using its 1st would have to be the option to keep Bo in the Pacific Northwest.
That said, quarterbacks have a way of not going where you think they will during the draft. In 2022, only one quarterback was chosen before the third round and that was Kenny Pickett at number 20. Maybe Nix falls pretty far, but I highly doubt it.
No. 4 - Michael Penix, Jr.
Just like the aforementioned Nix, Michael Penix Jr. may be too tough to pass on. The Indiana transfer found his home once he hit the portal and enrolled at the University of Washington. The lefty gunslinger nearly won the Heisman Trophy in his debut season with his new school and was in the talks for the award for the majority of 2023.
When Penix gets just a little bit of time in the pocket, it's almost guaranteed to result in a big-time play. With Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk providing one of the most electric receiving pairings in the country, all Penix had to do was complete the passes.
And that he did. Penix ended 2023 as the nation's second-leading passer while helping lead the Huskies to a perfect 12-0 record. With the receiving corps already established in Seattle, he could find a lot of the same success at the next level.
His draft range has also fluctuated this year with the idea of rounds 1-2 being most likely. Penix and the Huskies will take on Nix's Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship. Seahawks fans should watch the game closely as either of the two could end up staying local.
No. 5 - Jayden Daniels
Yes, all three of the collegiate quarterbacks in this slideshow have a lot in common. All are transfers, all are seniors, and all have put up Heisman-caliber seasons. Jayden Daniels' year at LSU arguably might be the most impressive out of all.
He will surely battle Bo Nix for the trophy in December and is very deserving to be there. The California native is in his second season at LSU after three years at Arizona State. He had not really put up a season worth mentioning prior to 2023. Yet, now he could go as high as a first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Jayden Daniels led the nation in passing touchdowns with 40 and added 10 more on the ground. His 1,134 rushing yards were the most from a quarterback as well, all while only conceding four interceptions. Daniels is electric and can completely change an offensive scheme. His big play ability with his arm and legs are evident and adding him into the quarterback room could help give the offense the jumpstart it needs. That is, of course, if Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron knows best how to use a quarterback like Daniels.