Geno Smith, Seahawks Finalizing Multi-Year Deal, per Report

The Seahawks and Geno Smith have agreed to a new multi-year contract that will keep the quarterback in Seattle, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. The agreement also means Seattle does not have to use the franchise tag on Smith ahead of the Tuesday deadline.

According to Ian Rapoport, Seattle is giving Smith a three-year deal worth up to $105 million.

Smith had a breakout season last year after he spent the previous two seasons backing up Russell Wilson. Last offseason, Smith signed a one-year contract to return to Seattle and compete with Drew Lock to replace Wilson. The veteran won the job in training camp and went on to have a career-best season.

The 32-year-old totaled 4,282 passing yards with 30 touchdowns—both by far career highs—on his way to winning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He also led the league with a 69.8 completion percentage. After spending many years as a backup in the NFL, he will now enter 2023 as the Seahawks’ unquestioned starter, the first time he will do that since his tenure with the Jets.

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Smith also made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2022 because of his career year. During Pro Bowl week in early February, Smith explained that he wasn’t too worried about his next contract, wanting to just get it over with and get back to playing football. Additionally, hee mentioned that he wanted to stay loyal to the Seahawks since they are the team that stuck with him.

“For them to see the work I’ve been putting in—because I have been putting in an immense amount of work behind the scenes—for them to recognize that meant a lot to me,” Smith said about Seattle allowing him to take over for Wilson.

At $35 million per year, Smith will be tied with Kirk Cousins for the tenth highest-paid quarterback in the league once he signs his deal.