It would be interesting to see the to-do list of Seattle Seahawks’ general manager, John Schneider. If he’s someone who likes to write things down and cross them off one by one, he’s got a lot on his plate this offseason. One of the first decisions he needs to make is regarding the team’s quarterback, whose 2024 base salary of $12.7 million becomes guaranteed on Feb. 16. While there are still options after that, including trading him into March, this is a crucial decision that Schneider and his new partner, Mike Macdonald, must make.
ESPN Seahawks reporter, Brady Henderson, has pointed out that the quarterback, Smith, was good in 2023 but regressed from the previous season. He also lost his biggest advocate in the organization, former head coach Pete Carroll. Henderson has described Schneider’s assessment of Smith as “tepid.”
As for the team’s future quarterback, there are six potential first-round talents in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the top three will likely be gone before the Seahawks pick at No. 16, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and/or Bo Nix could be available. Penix is a standout with a cannon for an arm and athleticism in the pocket. McCarthy’s arm is a bit of a concern, but he knows how to lead and win games, and he’s a good runner. Nix brings accuracy to the table.
If Schneider believes that one of these quarterbacks could be a generational talent, he should go for it. But the author hopes that Schneider will ignore the position in the first round and focus on big, tough, physical players for the offensive and defensive lines. The new head coach, Mike Macdonald, needs players who can move people out of the way, stand their ground, and make life difficult for opposing coordinators. While passing on a potential franchise quarterback is a risk, it’s a risk worth taking if it means building a strong team overall.
Perhaps if Anthony Bradford were in better condition, or if Damien Lewis had demonstrated more consistency, or if Jordyn Brooks were consistently healthy, then the Seahawks would have a stronger team. However, their best players are mostly on the outside, and to be more physical, they need to improve their front line. Therefore, assuming everything else remains the same, it would be best to keep Geno, select a lineman at No. 16 (such as Troy Fautanu or T’Vondre Sweat), and go from there. It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it?
However, what if Coach Macdonald reviews the current roster and believes that the linemen are already highly skilled, but their potential hasn’t been maximized due to scheme or communication problems? In that case, it would make sense to take a risk on a quarterback in the first round.
Alternatively, what if they want to trade down in the first round, pick up a second-round selection, and then find a way to obtain a legitimate front-line presence while still being able to select one of those quarterbacks if they fall to the second day?
What if they are truly enamored with one of the top three quarterbacks and believe that a trade involving DK Metcalf could help them move up to get one?
All of these possibilities are possible, and they could all influence the decision. However, without any of that information, it would be best to stick with Geno for another season and begin the process of transforming this team into a physical group similar to the Ravens, who thoroughly dominated the Seahawks this year.
