Russell Wilson who? Geno Smith is officially the future for Seahawks
Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks have officially been sent home after losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round of the postseason. Seattle did score 23 points, but gave up 41 in a dominating performance by Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense.
Losing in the playoffs is obviously frustrating and not what the Seahawks had in mind. However, there are plenty of positives to take from the entire season, mainly at the quarterback position.
Geno Smith answered an important question in 2022
Russell Wilson leaving Seattle could have marked a major rebuilding period getting underway. Instead, Smith won the job and picked up a statement win in Week 1 over Wilson and the Denver Broncos.
The well-traveled quarterback finished the regular season with 30 touchdowns and over 4,200 yards. He was not just good, he was great.
Geno Smith says he wants to finish his career in Seattle. https://t.co/1kQjBKr4zZ
Cut to Saturday and he was trying to do the impossible, which was go on the road and take down the mighty 49ers. To Smith's credit, he did finish with 253 yards and two touchdowns. However, he had a costly interception in a game when zero mistakes were allowed if they wanted to pull off the upset.
Yet the quarterback proved his worth this year and is still only 32 years old. Keep in mind the Seahawks have the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, thanks to the Wilson trade with Denver. This creates the possibility of taking a top quarterback prospect, such as Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or Will Levis. However, taking a rookie may mean a rebuild is in fact in place. Why take an unproven rookie when a 32-year-old talented quarterback is already an option?
Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith to DeKaylin Zecharius "DK" Metcalf for a 50-yard touchdown in the playoffs to tie it up, with a chance to lead.
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Smith is a free agent and will be seeking a proper salary in 2023. Yet he is not going to touch the top tier of the market, meaning he can be retained and the Seahawks can use that early pick for another position of need, such as on the offensive line.
Throwing for 30 touchdowns is no fluke. He waited for his second act in the NFL and elevated a Seattle team that could have easily focused on draft position this season. A full offseason preparing as the starter will only help, which retaining him sends a message to the team that the goal is still to compete in 2023.
Seeing the way Smith played compared to Wilson this season should tell the Seahawks front office all they need to know about their 2023 plans. They made a smart move and should stick with it.