Seahawks Rumors: Geno Smith to Sign Contract, Compete for Backup QB Role

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly will sign quarterback Geno Smith to battle for the backup spot behind Russell Wilson, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.

Smith will compete for the No. 2 job with Paxton Lynch, who signed with the Seahawks in January.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that Smith will visit the Seahawks on Wednesday, adding: "No contract talks yet, but a visit shows clear interest if everything checks out."

Smith, 28, was a second-round pick by the New York Jets in 2013 and expected to become the team's franchise quarterback, though that never materialized. He threw for 5,571 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 touchdowns in 30 games (29 starts) in 2013 and 2014 before losing his starting gig, riding the bench for the Jets the next two seasons.

He then served as Eli Manning's backup for the New York Giants in 2017 and Philip Rivers' backup for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.

Smith's competition for Seattle's backup spot has far less experience. Lynch has appeared in just five NFL games, throwing for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 61.7 percent of his passes.

Smith should be the favorite to win the backup role, solidifying a spot that has seen a rotating cast of characters behind Wilson, including Trevone Boykin, Austin Davis and Brett Hundley in 2018.