Geno Smith. For a guy who was supposed to fade into the background of NFL history, he’s somehow kept the spotlight on him. He’s like that underdog story you can’t stop watching—like Rocky if Rocky had a sideline career as a backup QB. You know the one: the quarterback who spent years bouncing around the NFL, just waiting for his next shot, and now? Now, he’s a Pro Bowl player. After all those years of everyone (including me) thinking he was toast, he’s the one that’s, uh, maybe not toast but… definitely a little crispy around the edges. You get it.
His career is one for the NFL history books, or maybe just a Netflix docuseries. Geno’s 2022 season, in particular, felt like one of those fairy tales that ends with “and then the underdog took the throne.” When Russell Wilson was shipped off to Denver, Smith stepped up to the plate. And man, did he hit a home run. 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, a Pro Bowl, and an 9-8 record. Not too shabby for a guy who many thought had already seen his best days.
But wait. It’s not all roses in the garden. Geno’s future, just like his career trajectory, is still up in the air. Trade rumors? Oh yeah. They’re flying around like flies at a summer BBQ. So, what’s next for Geno Smith? Is he going to ride this wave to the sunset in Seattle, or will he be traded to some other franchise that’s desperate for a QB?
Geno Smith’s Rise in Seattle: From Backup to Pro Bowler
Let me take you back for a second—2013. Geno Smith’s NFL debut as a second-round pick for the New York Jets. I don’t know about you, but I remember watching him back then and thinking, “Okay, let’s see if this kid’s got it.” And for a while? Not really. He had some moments but mostly… not great ones. It was a mess, honestly. It was like watching someone trying to run a marathon in flip-flops.
Then came the locker room drama. The injury. The 2014 Jets season was… memorable, but in the worst way possible. Geno’s time in New York ended after four seasons, and he became a backup quarterback with the Giants and Chargers. Hah, backup. That’s the role everyone thought he was doomed for.
But in 2022, Pete Carroll pulled a fast one, didn’t he? After the Russell Wilson trade, Geno was handed the keys to the Seahawks’ offense. And he didn’t just drive—it was more like he floored the gas pedal. His stats were off the charts: 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, and even a Pro Bowl nod. I had to do a double-take. Geno Smith? That Geno Smith? The same guy I saw struggle in 2015? But here we were. The 32-year-old backup turned franchise quarterback was making that much of an impact.
Anyway, here’s the kicker: I think a lot of us—including me—underestimated Geno’s ability to really lead the Seahawks. For a brief moment, he wasn’t just filling in. He was thriving. And when you’re on a football team with weapons like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett? Yeah, you’re gonna look pretty good. But even with all those weapons, you still gotta execute, and Geno did just that.
Geno’s Contract: $105 Million and the Hype Train That Follows
Let’s be real: when the Seahawks signed Geno Smith to a three-year, $105 million contract in 2023, I wasn’t sure if they were being geniuses or completely out of their minds. I mean, $52 million guaranteed for a guy with a history of inconsistency? That’s not pocket change. But hey, Geno earned it. He had earned a shot to stay in the driver’s seat.
I remember hearing about the contract and just thinking, “Okay, Pete Carroll is either one heck of a gambler, or he knows something I don’t.” And as much as I wanted to play the skeptic (because c’mon, Geno had a rough start), Carroll and the Seahawks stuck with their man. They believed in him. Hell, I even started believing in him a little, too.
But here’s the thing: while the deal was supposed to be a “reward,” it also kept the Seahawks in a position where they weren’t 100% locked into Geno long-term. There was always that feeling that, if things went sideways, they could move on. Which, if you ask me, feels like an NFL move. Teams always need to be flexible—especially when a high-dollar contract is involved.
Trade Rumors: Is Geno Smith Really Going Anywhere?
Now that we’re deep into the 2024 offseason, the rumors about Geno Smith’s future? They’re everywhere. I’ll be honest—I’ve heard so many trade whispers that it feels like I’m at a high school gossip circle. “Geno to the Colts! Geno to the Raiders!” It’s like watching a game of hot potato where no one wants to hold onto the quarterback too long.
Here’s the thing. The Seahawks are sitting pretty in the draft with a top-10 pick. They could go the rookie QB route, right? In fact, I’ve heard some talk that Seattle might want to draft a guy and have him sit behind Geno for a year or two—kind of like when we all wished we’d had a mentor to help us figure out taxes. If that happens, it opens up the possibility of Geno being traded to a team that’s in desperate need of a quarterback.
And I can’t say I blame them for eyeing a rookie. You gotta start thinking about the future. Seattle’s smart about it, so it’s not crazy to think they’ll consider pulling the trigger if they see a top-tier QB in the draft. If they’re not sold on Geno long-term, a trade makes sense. So, let’s talk about potential suitors for a second.
Teams That Could Trade for Geno Smith
There are a few teams in the league that have been on the hunt for a quarterback for a while. Here’s a handful of franchises that could end up in the running if Seattle puts Geno on the trade block:
- Indianapolis Colts – Man, the Colts are like the kid who keeps picking the wrong quarterback in every school draft. I mean, after Andrew Luck retired, they’ve been on a never-ending search for stability. Geno Smith? A guy who’s been to a Pro Bowl, has a proven track record, and doesn’t require a top-tier rookie salary? Yeah, Indy could bite.
- Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders have had a revolving door at QB recently, and even with Jimmy Garoppolo in town, Geno could be an attractive option. Vegas is always looking for a quick fix, and Geno could provide just that. Think about it—Geno and Devante Adams? That could be wicked.
- Washington Commanders – Oh, Washington. They’ve been chasing a decent QB for what feels like decades. Geno’s experience would certainly be an upgrade from what they’ve had recently. And hey, maybe he’d enjoy a change of scenery.
But here’s where it gets interesting. All these teams are looking for stability at quarterback. And Geno? Geno’s got that in spades. He may not be a future Hall-of-Famer, but he’s steady. Reliable. Maybe that’s all some of these teams need to finally stabilize their offenses.
Fast forward past three failed attempts to find a QB for Washington, and Geno Smith could end up being the guy they finally stick with for the next few years.
Geno Smith’s Legacy—The Journey, the Pain, and the Redemption
I’ve gotta say it: Geno Smith’s story in the NFL is a heck of a tale. It’s the definition of redemption. From being written off as a bust to becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback? That’s not something you see every day. And honestly, that’s why his future is so interesting. There are some players who simply become legends in their own time—not because of championships, but because of how they fought through their careers. Geno might be one of those guys.
His story isn’t just about football. It’s about resilience. Overcoming bad seasons, bad breaks, and, let’s face it—some bad luck. If there’s a lesson in his career, it’s that the NFL doesn’t care if you’re 22 or 32. If you’ve got the skills, they’ll find a place for you.
The Future: Will Geno Smith Stay in Seattle?
Geno Smith’s future is still in limbo. Will he stay in Seattle? Maybe. Or maybe Pete Carroll will roll the dice with a rookie. But one thing’s for sure: Geno’s shown he can thrive in this league, and no one’s going to forget about him anytime soon. The next few seasons? They’ll be interesting. Will Geno retire a Seahawk? Or will he end up reviving yet another franchise? Who knows. But I’ll be watching. With popcorn.
