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The 32-year-old was set to hit unrestricted
free agency after the first Pro Bowl season of his nine-year NFL
career. Instead, he will remain in Seattle and average $35
million per year. The deal will include $52 million in the first
year, ESPN reported.
Smith was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after taking
charge of the Seahawks' offense in the first year following the
Russell Wilson era and guiding them to a wild-card playoff
berth.
After serving as Wilson's backup from 2019-21, Smith beat out
Drew Lock for the job in the preseason and proceeded to start
all 17 games, his first year as a full-time starter since his
first two NFL campaigns with the New York Jets.
The veteran led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8 percent
and passed for career highs of 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns
along with 11 interceptions. He added 366 rushing yards and one
score.
The Seahawks were clear about wanting to re-sign Smith, but
Seattle coach Pete Carroll also said during the scouting combine
in Indianapolis that the Seahawks are "totally connected" to the
quarterbacks in the 2023 draft class. The team has the fifth
pick in the draft and five selections in the top 83.
Carroll said keeping Smith and drafting a quarterback is a
"definite" possibility.
In 10 NFL seasons with the Jets (2013-16), New York Giants
(2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018) and Seahawks, Smith has
thrown for 11,199 yards, 64 touchdowns and 48 interceptions with
a 62.8 completion percentage. He has added 1,067 rushing yards
and nine rushing touchdowns.
--Field Level Media
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