Geno Smith Franchise Tag: What's Price & Should Seahawks Pay It?
The Seattle Seahawks appear to be headed towards a reunion with quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, one way or another.
Whether or not Smith returns isn't really a huge question - the bigger topic at hand is if it's on the franchise tag or a long-term deal.
And while that decision will come in the next few months, perhaps the most important number is $32.4 million - which is what Smith will earn if Seattle tags him.
According to Pro Football Focus, Smith is the Seahawks' lone franchise tag candidate ... and that might just be the preferred approach considering the nine-year pro's previous lack of success.
"Given how unprecedented Smith’s recent career revival has been, it would be rational for the Seahawks to want to see more, but they did get a four-game trial in 2021 in addition to 2022, a span over which Smith’s 7.5 yards per attempt ranks 10th and 69.6% adjusted completion percentage ranks second. Smith could continue to limit some negative plays, but the highs have been very high, and he will certainly be more than doubling his $17.5 million career earnings this offseason alone." - PFF's Brad Spielberger
Smith, 32, led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8 percent and threw 30 touchdown passes, good for fourth-most league wide.
As a result of his strong season, Smith earned his first Pro Bowl nod ...and is now in line to get a well-deserved payday as a result.
Ultimately, Seattle is poised to commit to Smith regardless, but going the one-year route and forcing the former West Virginia Mountaineer to back up his breakout season might just be the best path to take.
However, the Seahawks are more focused on reaching a long-term deal - and putting that $32.4 million in the rear-view mirror.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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