NFL Rumors: Geno Smith Approached Seahawks About New Contract Before 2024 Season

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has reportedly approached the team about a new contract, per NFL Network's Mike Gorafolo (h/t Seahawks Wire's Kole Musgrove).

While speaking on Jason Puckett's podcast, Garafolo said a new deal for Smith could come before the start of the regular season.

"They've talked about it, they've tried to talk about it, I know that," Garafolo said. "That's been something that's been broached this offseason. So you know, (that) could be something that gets done before Week 1 and is addressed by the team."

But Garafolo also said that Seattle hadn't expressed much urgency to give Smith an extension, saying it didn't seem "imminent" on the Seahawks' part.

Smith is entering the second year of a three-year, $75 million deal and has a $26.4 million cap hit in 2024, and that number jumps to $38.5 million next season. The veteran will be a free agent in 2026 barring an extension before then.

After spending most of his career as a backup, Smith has had a resurgence in Seattle. He took over as the starter in 2022 and threw for 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns before picking up 3,624 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 15 games last season.

While Smith has likely earned an extension, the Seahawks must factor in his age when deciding how much to give him. He will turn 34 this season and will likely be in the late stages of his career by the time his new potential contract is finished. Smith has also dealt with knee and hip issues this offseason, which could be a bit concerning for Seattle.

Even with age and injury concerns, Smith has been mostly reliable for the Seahawks and is the best option they have under center right now.

An offseason of lucrative deals saw Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love and others receive deals worth $50 million+ per year. While it would be surprising if Smith got something of that magnitude, he could use the new market as leverage to earn one last big contract before the end of his career.