Geno Smith Rumors: Seahawks Unlikely to Use Franchise Tag on QB amid Contract Talks

If the Seattle Seahawks bring back quarterback Geno Smith after his breakout 2022 season, don't expect it to be on the franchise tag.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported on Sunday that the Seahawks have been "working" to come to terms with Smith on a long-term deal but added that he would be "surprised if they used the franchise tag on Smith even if they got to the Tuesday deadline without a deal. They like Smith and want him back, but they also hold the No. 5 pick in the draft and have been doing a lot of work on the quarterback prospects at the top of the first round."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added that the Seahawks and Smith could settle for a new deal in the "in the three-year range and would aim to reward the QB for his excellent play while also helping Seattle manage its cap. With the tag deadline looming, Smith can wait for the Daniel Jones situation to shake out the quarterback market."

The New York Giants quarterback is also a free agent, and any new deal he signs with the Giants could help set the market for Smith.

Fowler added that the Seahawks are expected to be "patient " and could "slow-play this a bit."

Most reporting to this point, however, has seemed to indicate that a new deal between the sides feels likely.

No surprises there. Smith, 32, had a career year in 2022, registering career highs in passing yards (4,282) and passing touchdowns (30) while completing 69.8 percent of his passes and throwing just 11 interceptions.

The Seahawks, in turn, went 9-8 in his starts and surprised the entire NFL world by making the playoffs. Smith was named to his first Pro Bowl and was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts.

It was a shocking turnaround for a player who had started his career as a promising quarterback prospect with the New York Jets (2013-16) but never panned out, becoming a journeyman who spent time with the New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018) and the Seahawks (2019-present), largely as a backup.

But in 2022 he seized Seattle's starting gig after Russell Wilson left for the Denver Broncos and made himself some real money in the process. Just how much remains to be seen.