Geno Smith could have questions after Seahawks reportedly visit with Bo Nix

NFL teams can host up to 30 visits from players they are interested in potentially drafting. Many of these visits for the Seattle Seahawks tend to be players who might not be drafted at all. General manager John Schneider wants to take a closer look at a player he might be interested in choosing in the late rounds or possibly as an undrafted free agent.

Seattle does not seem to have a need to take a quarterback with their early picks in 2024. They have two veteran quarterbacks with starting experience under contract through 2025. The possibility of taking a quarterback in 2025 is much higher since both current quarterbacks could leave in free agency the following offseason.

In the case of Geno Smith, Seattle presumed QB1 in 2024 (and, one might assume, 2025), it makes little sense for Seattle to move on from him this offseason. If the team were to release him prior to June 1, the move would have a negative-$13.3 million effect on cap space. Seattle also reworked Smith's deal a bit this offseason and moved some of his roster bonus into a signing bonus. This means releasing Smith is unlikely.

Seattle Seahawks reportedly host Oregon quarterback Bo Nix on a top-30 visit

Smith might have questions about his long-term future with the team, though, after the Seahawks reportedly had a top-30 visit with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix this past weekend. Nix is assumed to be around when Seattle is slated to take their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft at number 16. The Oregon quarterback could fall even further, possibly to the second round, and should Seattle trade back to add more selections, Nix could be there for them.

Nix started 61 games in college career, beginning at Auburn and ending at Oregon, more than any other quarterback in college football history. He is extremely accurate on short passes, has good athleticism, and has good arm strength. Whether his arm is good enough to make every throw in the NFL with velocity is still open for debate. He is also 24 years old so older than most other quarterback prospects entering the draft.

Should Seattle choose to take Nix, that would likely mean they begin the season with three quarterbacks on the active 51-man roster. That is not extremely unusual in general, but would be for the Seahawks who normally only keep two. Keeping a third QB also takes away a roster spot from a position that needs greater depth such as the offensive or defensive lines. Drafting Nix also probably means Smith or Sam Howell, who Seattle traded for this offseason, would almost certainly not be on the team in 2025.

There is another possibility for Smith as well, though the move would seem needless. The Seahawks could release Smith with a post-June 1 designation which would create just $200,000 in cap space but would open up a roster spot for another position.

Taking a quarterback in the early rounds of the draft is not likely for the Seahawks, but they also have an interest in Bo Nix. Seattle could take Nix, keep three quarterbacks on the roster for 2024, and then release Geno Smith next offseason which would create $25 million in cap space next year. At least then, Nix would have spent a full season in Seattle's offensive system, now led by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and he could be ready to be QB1 in 2025.

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