JUST IN: Seahawks star efforts to hammer out new contract slim as new agreement will be reached

Geno Smith’s attempt to secure a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks last summer was unsuccessful, leaving uncertainty about the team’s quarterback situation for 2025 and beyond. The former Comeback Player of the Year has one year remaining on his contract, but none of his $14.8 million base salary is guaranteed.

Smith is due a $16 million roster bonus next month, and with a cap hit of $44.5 million scheduled for 2025, the Seahawks will need to decide soon whether to keep him. Head coach Mike Macdonald hopes a new deal will be reached, and reports indicate that one is likely to happen.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that the Seahawks are expected to “address” Smith’s contract soon. Restructuring the deal could lower his 2025 cap hit, though it would require adding void years to the contract.

An extension is viewed as a more ideal option for both sides, with Smith seeking a new commitment from Seattle. However, the team is also expected to evaluate other options before committing to a new deal with the 34-year-old quarterback.

While Sam Darnold is a top free agent quarterback, the Seahawks are unlikely to have the cap space to compete for his services. Other veteran quarterbacks potentially available include Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kirk Cousins (if the Falcons trade or release him). Without a clear successor, especially after offseason acquisition Sam Howell’s limited role in Seattle, keeping Smith around seems to be the most reasonable course of action.

Smith, who joined Seattle in 2020, has been the team’s starting quarterback for the past three seasons, taking over from Russell Wilson. A long-term deal placing Smith among the highest-paid quarterbacks would be unexpected, but a short-term extension could provide the team with continuity at the position.

Smith signed a three-year, $75 million deal in 2023, and new terms could be negotiated soon to keep him in Seattle for the foreseeable future. Smith has expressed a goal to play until age 40, which suggests his career could continue in Seattle if a new deal is reached.