Although two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith is technically signed with the Seattle Seahawks through 2024, trade speculations continue to surround him. The time for releasing Smith before his guaranteed salary for the upcoming season expired on February 16, 2024, passed, and the Seahawks decided not to do so. Before additional money starts to roll into Smith’s contract on March 18, which is when Seattle has around one month to think about making a trade for the quarterback. Potential trade partners for Smith were listed by Ian Haritz, formerly of Pro Football Focus and Action Network, in Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life newsletter on NBC Sports.
Although the NFL analyst notes that the Seahawks are still the best option, the organization may take trade offers into consideration, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Minnesota Vikings were listed by Haritz as one of Smith’s potential landing locations. With the team’s starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, set to enter free agency in March, the position is unknown.Smith is most likely still best suited in Seattle with his skilled pass catchers and in a new scheme that appears ready to air the ball out, according to Haritz’s analysis in the weekly piece “Geno Watch And NFC East Team Needs,” which was published on February 16.
The Titans, Giants, and Broncos might possibly be considered, depending on how Russell Wilson’s situation plays out. Further employment opportunities may arise in Tampa Bay and Minnesota, contingent upon the actions of Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield during their free agency.An intriguing case study would be Smith’s trading value. The quarterback has been selected to back-to-back Pro Bowls, but last season both his numbers and the Seahawks’ chances of making the playoffs declined. Could Smith demand a similar price if Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is believed to have a day-two pick worth of trade value? Although Smith’s $31 million 2024 salary cap hit is less than that of the best NFL quarterbacks, it is still not exactly a steal. If Seattle decides to start over, Smith might have some trade appeal because quarterbacks are becoming more and more expensive in the league.
What appears more likely is Seattle retains Smith for 2024 in the first season under head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The Seahawks could still draft a quarterback in the first three rounds, but the rookie is more likely to sit behind Smith rather than start next season.If the Vikings decide to cut Cousins, why would they be interested in Smith? Minnesota might give a rookie control of the offense. However, it is anticipated that the top three quarterbacks will be selected before the Vikings can use their No. 11 pick.
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