As Geno Smith continues to lead the Seattle Seahawks at quarterback, the question of whether he deserves a contract extension has become a topic of much debate. After years of backing up Russell Wilson, Smith has proven himself as a reliable starter, particularly following Wilson’s departure to the Denver Broncos in 2022. Smith's career-year in 2022, where he threw for over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns, helped lead the Seahawks to a playoff berth and showcased his ability to perform under pressure. His poise in the pocket, decision-making, and adaptability in an offense that underwent significant changes are all strong arguments in favor of extending his contract.
On top of his on-field performance, Smith has also earned respect for his leadership and consistency. At 33 years old (as of 2024), Smith has shown maturity both in the huddle and with his ability to read defenses. He has been a stabilizing force in a young offense, earning the trust of both his teammates and coaching staff. Additionally, from a financial perspective, the Seahawks are in a relatively strong cap position, and extending Smith could provide stability without a major financial burden, allowing the team to build around him while still maintaining a competitive roster.
However, there are concerns about Smith's long-term viability as the Seahawks' quarterback. At his age, committing to him for several more years carries some risk. While he has been excellent recently, the question remains how long he can maintain that level of play, especially if the team faces challenges with its offensive line or changes to its roster. Moreover, the Seahawks are in a strong position to explore future quarterback options. With a high draft pick in 2024 and a talented QB class available, Seattle could look to draft a young signal-caller to develop, potentially paving the way for a long-term successor. In this context, extending Smith for the long term might not be the best decision if the team sees its future at the position elsewhere.
Given these factors, the Seahawks face a balancing act. Geno Smith’s recent performance has earned him the right to be considered for a contract extension, and his leadership and play have been pivotal in Seattle’s resurgence. However, with concerns over his age and the team’s potential interest in a younger quarterback, a shorter-term extension of one or two years seems like the most prudent option. This would allow the Seahawks to continue building around Smith while also keeping their options open for the future. Ultimately, Smith has made a strong case to stay in Seattle, but the team will need to carefully evaluate both his long-term potential and the future of the quarterback position.