Seahawks Could Still Draft QB After Geno Smith's $105M Contract, Pete Carroll Says

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Tuesday that the team is still open to picking a quarterback with the No. 5 selection in the 2023 NFL draft even after re-signing veteran Geno Smith to a multiyear contract.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times relayed remarks.

Smith, who will turn 33 in October, just won Comeback Player of the Year honors after completing 69.8 percent of his passes for 30 touchdowns (11 interceptions) and 4,282 yards.

The Seahawks, who entered last season with low expectations, made the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

Smith and the Seahawks agreed Monday on a three-year, $105 million contract.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk broke down Smith's contract. Basically, it's a three-year, $75 million deal plus $30 million in incentives. He will get $40 million guaranteed at signing and $12 million guaranteed in 2024.

"That makes it a two-year, $50 million deal (plus incentives)," Florio wrote. "It also means the Seahawks could potentially move on after one season. They'd owe $12 million for 2024; possibly, he'd get that much (or close to it) on the open market, offsetting Seattle's obligation."

In essence, the Seahawks are going forward with Smith in 2023, but they don't have any guaranteed money committed to him after two seasons.

So, they could draft a quarterback at No. 5 and move on from Smith in a year or two.

On the flip side, Smith was simply sensational last year, and if he can keep it up, it will be very hard for the Seahawks to part ways. Smith and Co. scored the ninth-most points in the league. He's the main reason why the team shockingly made the playoffs despite facing tall odds to do so.

Seattle should be in position to choose one of the top quarterbacks available. The quartet of Florida's Anthony Richardson, Kentucky's Will Levis, Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud has separated itself from the pack, and they should all be off the board soon after Round 1 starts.

The Seahawks can also double down with Smith and acquire a defensive star at No. 5 or trade down with a team that needs a quarterback for a haul of picks.

In essence, the Seahawks are in great position after acquiring the Denver Broncos' first-rounder in the Russell Wilson trade.