Seahawks, Geno Smith Contract Talks Going 'Right Direction,’ Says Pete Carroll
While the Seattle Seahawks still have work left to do to finalize a new contract with Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith and a deal isn't imminent, all signs continue to be positive on the negotiations front with the annual NFL Scouting Combine commencing in Indianapolis.
Speaking with reporters off podium on Tuesday, coach Pete Carroll indicated discussions between Smith and Seattle are trending in the "right direction," saying the two sides have closed the gap since starting the process after the season ended in January.
"We're going back and forth. We're in serious time of it," Carroll said. "We'll see how that works out. There's a lot going on along with that plays into all of this, so we just got to figure it out."
With the franchise tag window officially opening last week, as Carroll acknowledged, the Seahawks find themselves in a bit of a race against the clock in regards to re-signing Smith. While they aren't scrambling and have plenty of time left to hash out a deal, with the tag deadline looming on March 7, they have two weeks to try to work out a long-term extension.
In the event Seattle can't strike a deal with Smith during that time, general manager John Schneider would have to make the decision on whether or not to use the non-exclusive franchise tag, which would be worth a fully guaranteed $32.4 million in 2023. Such a deal would prevent the quarterback from hitting the market but would also hamstring the team salary cap wise, as the tag would carry a $32.4 million cap hit.
Choosing to take the high road rather than delve into Seattle's plans, Schneider didn't disclose whether or not the organization would consider using the franchise tag on Smith, simply saying it would be a mechanism at their disposal if they choose to use it.
At the conclusion of the season, Smith told reporters following a playoff loss to San Francisco that he wanted to reciprocate Seattle for the loyalty the franchise showed sticking with him over the years. From Carroll's perspective, that mindset has been evident in negotiations thus far, but at the same time, there's still a gap that must be closed between the team and player before a contract can be finalized.
"We're talking intimately about all the stuff that's going on, everything's going well," Carroll explained. "It's going well, but it hasn't happened yet. And there's still some distance you know, in there, so we got to work it out."
Taking over for Russell Wilson as Seattle's new starting quarterback last season after beating out Drew Lock, Smith shined orchestrating coordinator Shane Waldron's offense. Along with leading the NFL with a 69.8 percent completion rate, he became only the third quarterback in franchise history to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a season and broke Wilson's prior single season passing yardage record.
Finishing with 12 starts with at least two touchdown passes, Smith tied for the most in the NFL with MVP winner Patrick Mahomes, helping guide Seattle to a surprise playoff berth and a 9-8 record. Receiving the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award on the week before the Super Bowl, he put a bow on a historic breakout season.
Now, Smith will be looking to cash in on his success after earning only $3.5 million in base salary in 2022. As Schneider pointed out, considering the wide gap between his previous deal and the one the quarterback currently is seeking, negotiations are quite unique compared the majority of big money deals at the position.
But while most 32-year-old quarterbacks are looking at shorter-term deals, after being a backup for seven years, Carroll sees Smith as a "younger 32," which helps make a long-term contract more viable for the organization. Having been around him for four seasons and seeing how hard he works behind the scenes, they have no reservations about signing off on such a deal after one strong season and simply need to find the sweet spot financially to make it happen in coming weeks.
"There's no question,” Carroll said. “Yeah, he hasn't had, knock on something wood somewhere, he hasn't had any of the issues with his legs. He's really been healthy and he isn't overworked. He's pretty fresh coming out of that at 32. And he showed it, he showed it in his running ability last year and movement and stuff, he did a very good job."
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