Geno Smith Says He'll Help 'As Much as I Can' if Seahawks Select QB in 2023 NFL Draft

During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the franchise could select a quarterback with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL draft despite re-signing Geno Smith.

Smith, who took part in a press conference Thursday after officially signing his three-year contract, was asked about if he would view the arrival of a young quarterback as competition or as an opportunity to serve as a mentor.

The 32-year-old responded (h/t ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper):

"I'd say it's both. I love to compete, so I'll compete with anybody. I'm also gonna help them out as much as I can. Same as we did with Drew [Lock]. Our QB room is so tight-knit and we're all so connected that we act as one. Whether it's a young guy or someone else, I'm gonna help that player just like any other player on our team be the best that he can be because that's my job as a leader."

Smith and the Seahawks agreed to terms on a three-year, $105 million deal after the veteran put together a career year in 2022 following the departure of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.

The 2022 Comeback Player of the Year beat out Drew Lock for Seattle's starting job in training camp and went on to lead the team to a 9-8 record and a berth in the wild-card round, where it ultimately fell to the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith completed 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 17 games, in addition to rushing for 366 yards and one score. In addition to being named Comeback Player of the Year, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and finished ninth in MVP voting.

Prior to taking over as Seattle's starter, Smith spent years as a backup with the Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers. He began his career as a starter for the Jets in 2013 but was ultimately demoted to backup in 2015.

Considering the West Virginia product spent years in the NFL as a backup before becoming a starter again, it's no surprise he's open to mentoring a young quarterback.

Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are among the quarterbacks available in the upcoming draft. Eisen asked Carroll specifically about Richardson on Wednesday, and the longtime Seahawks head coach noted that the Florida standout is "really impressive."

Richardson had a solid 2022 season with the Gators, completing 53.8 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions in 12 games, in addition to rushing for 654 yards and nine scores.

While Richardson's athleticism and talent was on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, he's viewed by talent evaluators as needing some more time to develop before becoming and NFL starter.

If drafted to Seattle, Richardson would likely sit behind Smith until his skills are more polished.