He Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Geno Smith agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $105 million earlier this week and head coach Pete Carroll said the organization as a whole is «excited about it.»
But that doesn’t mean Seattle won’t potentially take another quarterback in the NFL draft next month.
Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field on January 8, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
During an interview with Seattle Sports 710 AM on Tuesday, Carroll said there is certainly an «opportunity» with the No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft and that the Seahawks will consider everything before naming their pick, including quarterbacks.
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«That opportunity is absolutely there,» Carroll said, via the team’s website. «We can do what we have to do, which is another discussion that’s really exciting. The coaches are working on it, and the scouts are working on it to try to position this, when you’re five years old, this is different than what we’re used to seeing. This is really fun, because you can predict what’s going to happen with four different options, so what is it?»
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field on January 8, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Carroll called this year’s quarterback class «really talented» and added that «there are no easy decisions here.» But he pointed out that even if Seattle picks a quarterback in the first round, it doesn’t disparage what Smith managed last season.
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«Whatever we do, he’s going to take it easy,» he said. «He’s not going to worry about anyone. And this [deal], as a reward for what he has done, it even solidifies his trust and understanding of how much trust we have in him. So if that’s going to happen, it’s a long-term choice and for the future and all that. We’ll see what happens.»
After years of serving as a backup quarterback in the league, Smith led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth as the last wild card in the NFC. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was named AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, November 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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«It’s a good deal, a good deal for the club,» added Carroll.
«I think it also sends a very good message to everyone out there: This is a good place and things are going in the right direction, and we’re excited.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.