Geno Smith’s first significant snaps as Seattle Seahawks quarterback got here in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams method again in 2021. Is it attainable that his final look in a Seahawks uniform may also be in opposition to the Rams?
We gained’t know the reply maybe till March, however for the right here and now he stays the Seahawks starter till additional discover. Smith ended his 2024 season on a excessive observe with a career-high 4 landing passes and a fourth game-winning drive of the season, preventing by means of noticeable ache to ship the go-ahead rating to Noah Fant.
At Sunday’s post-game press convention, Smith assessed how the season went and acknowledged the frustration of lacking the playoffs for a second straight 12 months.
“Happy with the fellows, happy with all people, the way in which they fought,” Smith stated. “Happy with our teaching employees, happy with our entrance workplace, simply all people within the constructing. But additionally feeling upset for everybody. [We] don’t get to go to observe and get again to it. These are the issues that I stay up for, man, and I can’t go to observe with my guys on Monday. Obtained to attend a very long time to get again to work. I do know lots of guys sacrificed this 12 months. Quite a lot of guys put in lots of work and actually deserve extra soccer, however that’s not the case. So simply feeling for the fellows, man. Wishing we might proceed to do that factor collectively. I like each considered one of my teammates, man. I like each a part of this group and yeah, it sucks. It sucks.”
Smith is however very optimistic concerning the progress the Seahawks are making towards being contenders… even when he isn’t a part of the staff’s plans down the road.
“There are lots of younger guys on the offensive line,” Smith stated. “There are lots of younger guys on this staff. This staff is… I’m telling you man, this staff is on target. This staff is on its method. That’s with or with out me. These guys on this locker room, these coaches, this group, excellent group, and I consider in it. I consider the very best of the very best goes to occur for this staff. I simply wish to proceed to combat with these guys.”
Smith’s contract is up after the 2025 season, and his efficiency in opposition to the Rams had vital ramifications relating to his wage cap hit. By hitting his targets of 10 wins and setting new profession highs in passing yards and completion proportion, Smith achieved $6 million in contract escalators, which impacts his roster bonus and wage cap cost.
Right here’s an explainer from ESPN’s Brady Henderson:
Escalators differ from incentives in that incentives are assured the second a participant hits them. In Smith’s case, the $6 million in escalator cash he hit Sunday will probably be added onto the $10 million roster bonus he’s set to make March 16 if he’s nonetheless with the Seahawks as of that date.
Smith’s 2025 cap quantity is now $44.5 million as a substitute of $38.5 million. A solution to decrease that quantity is to increase his contract, in any other case slicing him would save $31 million in cap area and incur $13.5 million in lifeless cash.
When requested about contract negotiations, Smith stored it temporary.
“These are issues that I’ll discuss to the people who I would like to speak to about,” Smith stated. “I admire the query however I prefer to hold lots of issues internally and in-house. With respect to all people concerned, I believe it’s one of the best ways to do it.”
The total press convention could be seen beneath:
