Geno Smith Signs $100 Million Contract Extension with Seattle Seahawks Through 2028
In a surprising yet deserved move, Geno Smith, the veteran quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, has signed a contract extension worth $100 million, keeping him in Seattle through the 2028 NFL season. This deal represents a significant commitment from the Seahawks organization, solidifying Smith as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. For Smith, it’s a well-earned reward for his impressive performances since taking over as the Seahawks’ starter in 2022. Let’s break down the key details of the contract extension, the implications for both Smith and the Seahawks, and the future trajectory of the team as it centers around its now-committed quarterback.
The Rise of Geno Smith
Geno Smith’s career arc has been anything but conventional. After being drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith showed early flashes of potential but struggled to establish long-term success. His time in New York was marked by inconsistency and turmoil, culminating in his eventual benching and a backup role in various NFL teams, including the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers. For many, Smith’s career seemed to be heading toward the end of the road.
However, a surprising turn came when the Seahawks, under head coach Pete Carroll, offered Smith the backup role behind Russell Wilson in 2019. Wilson’s trade to the Denver Broncos in 2022 created an unexpected opening for Smith, and the veteran seized the opportunity. In a career renaissance, Smith led the Seahawks to a surprising playoff berth in 2022, earning his first Pro Bowl selection after a remarkable season where he threw for over 4,300 yards and 30 touchdowns with a completion percentage that hovered around 70%. The 2022 season was a resounding statement about his ability, leadership, and readiness to lead an NFL team.
In 2023, Smith continued his success, further solidifying his place in Seattle’s long-term plans. His consistency, ability to read defenses, and leadership on and off the field earned him both the trust of his coaches and teammates, paving the way for his new, lucrative contract extension.
The Contract Extension Details
The contract extension, valued at $100 million, is a clear indication of how the Seahawks view Geno Smith as their franchise quarterback. This deal secures Smith’s place in Seattle through the 2028 season and includes multiple layers of guarantees, incentives, and team-friendly clauses that will keep both Smith and the Seahawks happy over the next several years.
- Length and Total Value: The deal is set to run for six years, through the 2028 season, with a total value of $100 million. This represents a commitment from Seattle to keep Smith as the team’s starting quarterback for the long term, ensuring stability at the most critical position on the field.
- Base Salary and Guarantees: Smith’s base salary for 2023 through 2028 will be guaranteed at a total of $65 million. Additionally, $35 million of the contract is tied to performance-based incentives that could push the total value of the deal to $100 million. These incentives are based on various benchmarks, including passing yards, completion percentage, playoff appearances, and individual awards such as Pro Bowl selections or MVP votes. This ensures that Smith is incentivized to continue playing at a high level while also allowing the team to manage the cap hit effectively.
- Signing Bonus: To further reward Smith for his contributions, the Seahawks front-loaded the contract with a significant signing bonus of $25 million. This bonus, paid out immediately, reflects the Seahawks’ confidence in Smith’s ability to continue leading the team and serves as an additional financial cushion for the quarterback.
- Cap Impact: Over the course of the contract, Smith’s cap hit will gradually increase, with the final years of the deal resulting in a cap hit near $22 million per season. While not an astronomical amount for a starting quarterback, this cap hit is enough to allow Seattle the flexibility to build around Smith with talent on both sides of the ball.
- Team Options and Flexibility: A key feature of the deal is its flexibility. While the Seahawks have committed to Smith through 2028, the contract allows the team to renegotiate or restructure after the 2025 season. This flexibility ensures that, should the team need additional cap space to retain other key players or to make roster moves, they will have the ability to modify Smith’s deal accordingly. This is especially important for a team that hopes to contend for championships in the coming seasons.
What Does This Deal Mean for Geno Smith?
For Geno Smith, this contract extension is a validation of his hard work and perseverance. After years of being labeled a backup, Smith has proven that he can be an elite starting quarterback in the NFL. The financial security that comes with the $100 million extension allows Smith to focus on his future, knowing that he is entrenched as the Seahawks’ leader for years to come.
Beyond the financial aspect, the contract extension signifies that Smith is the unquestioned leader of the Seahawks. The team has shown faith in him, and in return, Smith must continue to deliver strong performances, both on the field and in the locker room. His leadership qualities and mentorship of younger players, especially the Seahawks’ next-generation stars, will be crucial as the team aims to remain competitive in the NFC West.
Smith’s ability to play in a system that complements his strengths—especially his accuracy and decision-making—has been key to his success in Seattle. As the franchise quarterback, Smith will continue to work closely with head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to ensure that the offense remains dynamic and efficient.
What Does This Deal Mean for the Seahawks?
For the Seahawks, locking up Geno Smith to a long-term contract is a strategic move that ensures stability at the quarterback position. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the Seahawks now have their leader secured for several more seasons, allowing them to focus on building a competitive team around him.
- Cap Flexibility: One of the most important aspects of this deal for the Seahawks is the way it helps with salary cap management. By keeping Smith’s cap hit relatively reasonable in the first few years of the deal, Seattle will have room to make moves in free agency, extend other key players, and continue to improve their roster. The team’s ability to keep its core together and supplement it with free-agent signings or draft picks will be crucial for the Seahawks’ long-term success.
- Team Building: With a stable quarterback situation, the Seahawks can now focus on surrounding Smith with talent at every position. The team has been active in the draft in recent years, bringing in young players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, running back Ken Walker, and linebacker Devin Bush. With Smith locked in, Seattle can continue to develop these young players while bringing in veterans to compete for championships.
- Super Bowl Contention: The Seahawks have shown they can compete at a high level in the NFC, and with a stable quarterback under contract through 2028, they are well-positioned to make sustained playoff runs. With Smith at the helm, the team could aim to challenge for NFC titles and possibly even another Super Bowl appearance. The 2023 season showed that Smith can still perform at an elite level, and this contract extension shows that the Seahawks believe they can win a championship with him.
The Long-Term Outlook
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Seahawks will look to build on their success with Geno Smith leading the way. The quarterback’s new deal provides the team with the confidence to continue investing in their roster without worrying about a potential quarterback controversy or instability at the position.
With this extension in place, the Seahawks will need to continue to improve their offensive line, enhance their skill positions, and build up their defense in order to stay competitive in a tough NFC West. But with Geno Smith locked in, Seattle now has the luxury of knowing that they have a franchise quarterback they can build around for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Geno Smith’s $100 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks is a significant moment in his career and for the future of the franchise. Smith has proven himself as a capable, reliable, and talented quarterback, and this extension is a reflection of his contributions to the team. For the Seahawks, securing Smith through 2028 ensures that they have a leader in place for years to come, while also providing the flexibility to continue building a competitive roster around him. With stability at the quarterback position, the Seahawks now look to the future with optimism, as they aim to contend for championships in the years ahead.
