When Russell Wilson was traded away by the Seattle Seahawks last offseason, it seemed like the team would struggle with poor quarterback play and face a long rebuilding period.
At the start of the 2022 season, they named Geno Smith as the starter, a decision many saw as a move for a reliable backup QB. Against all expectations, Smith delivered an outstanding season.
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Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the NFL with a 69.8% completion rate. Thanks to his performance, the Seahawks finished 9-8 and secured a playoff spot. However, Smith is set to become a free agent, and it remains uncertain whether Seattle will choose to keep him.
In a conversation with Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Seahawks GM John Schneider was asked if they would consider using the franchise tag on Smith, but his response was both vague and noncommittal.
Before this season, Smith had only started five games over seven years, and his career had been hampered by injuries, including a fractured jaw and torn ACL. While he showed promise in his first two seasons with the New York Jets, his tendency for interceptions hindered the team, and they failed to make the playoffs in both years.
Although Seattle is not a contender yet, they do have two elite wide receivers, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, who each surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2022.
Additionally, rookie running back Kenneth Walker III had an impressive season with 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
