NFL Rumors: Seahawks May Extend Quarterback After Season

The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the league's pleasant surprises through nine weeks of the 2022 season, and the play of their new starting quarterback Geno Smith is a big reason why. Apparently, the team has seen enough to feel comfortable making a long-term commitment. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks and Smith will open discussions on an extension this offseason.

From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Seahawks QB Geno Smith has done enough to be the team's starter in 2023, with contract talks expected after the season. pic.twitter.com/StHmOSrA57
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2022

Smith has been one of the league's elite quarterbacks this year, leading the Seahawks to a 6-3 record and the fourth-most points in the league while passing for 244.3 yards per game with a 107.2 passer rating.

As exceptional as Smith has been this year, his long history of relative anonymity in the league will likely keep him from becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. The 10th-year player had only passed for 1346 yards over 15 appearances from 2015 to 2021.

It makes sense for the Seahawks to extend Smith before he puts more good tape together and increases his value. Given his struggles and failures on other teams and in various other situations, the Seahawks will likely hope to secure him to a deal in the range of solid, complimentary quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill ($29.5 million per year) and Kirk Cousins ($35 million per year).