Could Seahawks Begin Long-Term Plan, Draft Geno Smith Successor?
As the saying goes, you draft your quarterback replacement before you need it, and for the Seattle Seahawks, this year's draft offers that exact thing, if coach Mike Macdonald and staff want to go down that route of course.
With Geno Smith's future beyond 2024 uncertain until the move was made to guarantee his 2024 salary, he will be under center for the upcoming season...but beyond that?
Per Over The Cap, Smith's cap number next season will be a cool $38.5 million, but by being a post-June 1 cut, the Seahawks could save $25 million, and looking at the talent available in the upcoming draft, could Seattle have one eye the future in the upcoming draft?
While the likes of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are out of the equation, someone like Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, who has landed with Seattle im some mock drafts, could be an option. Throw Washington's Michael Penix Jr. into the mix as well.
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The Seahawks, in theory, could draft Geno's replacement this year and allow them to sit behind Smith as they learn the tricks of the trade.
Smith has done it all and has a wealth of experience to offer a young quarterback. We have seen the benefits of a rookie quarterback sitting out their first season (see Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith), so the formula can work.
Geno has exceeded expectations in his two years starting for the Seahawks. He made the playoffs in his first year before narrowly missing out in 2023.
But with Macdonald at the helm and a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb, times are changing in Seattle. While drafting a quarterback might not be high on the priority list, should McCarthy and/or Penix Jr. be available when the Seahawks are on the clock at No. 16, a decision will need to be made.
Smith isn't getting any younger and the Seahawks could begin their long-term plan to turn the keys over to a new quarterback in 12 months.
