The Seahawks front office hit all the right notes last offseason. While it’s relatively early this time around, so far they’re still batting 1.000. Yesterday the team took care of its most-important order of business by re-signing quarterback Geno Smith. They managed to get it done at a huge discount, too. Smith’s base salary is $25 million per season for three years ($75 million total) plus $30 million more in potential incentives. Smith only got $40 million fully guaranteed on the contract. With Smith locked up Seattle can now look to improve their long-floundering defense.
However, the Seahawks have a rare gift this year in the form of a top-five overall pick. That puts them in position to land an elite quarterback prospect from a strong class. Regardless of how they feel about Smith, they shouldn’t overlook a chance to get someone special at the game’s most important position on a rookie contract.
Good news: head coach Pete Carroll agrees. Speaking in an interview on ESPN 710 Seattle, Carroll said drafting a quarterback early is still on the table even after re-signing Smith.
Pete Carroll said on @SeattleSports that drafting a quarterback early is still in play even after re-signing Geno Smith: "That opportunity is absolutely there…. When you're at 5, this is different than what we're used to seeing."
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) March 7, 2023
While a handful of quarterbacks are ranked ahead of him, the most interesting prospect this year is Florida’s Anthony Richardson, who just posted the greatest relative athletic score of any quarterback in history.
Richardson also seemed to be smitten with Seattle, telling reporters at the combine that his meeting with the Seahawks “felt different” than the rest.
Anthony Richardson met with a lot of teams at the NFL Combine.
The #Seahawks stuck out to him the most during his meetings saying that it “felt different” than other teams.
Richardson is now projected a top 5 pick thanks to his combine performance.
Seahawks have 5th overall 👀 pic.twitter.com/noiUas8DeQ
— Matthew John B (@Matthew_Bassham) March 6, 2023
ESPN has also reported that the normally-reserved Richardson had an “instant rapport” with the charismatic Carroll.
Whether it’s Richardson or one of the other top QBs, using their No. 5 overall pick at this position is the best-possible use of draft capital.
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