Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith’s Redemption – Pt. 3 Becoming the QB1
Andrew Elderbaum
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Welcome to Part 3 of Geno Smith‘s redemption. Today, his unlikely rise to become the Seahawks starter.
At the end of the 2021 season, it seemed like the Seattle Seahawks wanted to maintain the status quo, despite their first losing season in over a decade. Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll, and the rest of the gang would be back.
Their big free agent question was whether or not 2018 first round pick Rashaad Penny would return along with safety Quandre Diggs. Geno Smith was two thoughts behind being an afterthought. He was fine as RW3’s backup but far from irreplaceable. Then came March 8, 2022.
Bye, Russ – Hi, Drew
That day, Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider rocked the NFL world with the announcement of a blockbuster trade with Denver. Seattle sent Russell Wilson and a fourth round pick to the Broncos in exchange for defensive end Shelby Harris, tight end Noah Fant, 5 draft picks (including a pair of firsts and seconds), and quarterback Drew Lock.
It seemed like the answer as to who would be Seattle’s QB in 2022 was pretty self-evident. Lock, the former first rounder, would get one more shot to prove he was an NFL-caliber starter.
If he fizzled out, then Seattle would take a QB in the 2023 Draft. So there were two clear paths. When the Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith to a one-year deal in April, they were just keeping a solid backup in the fold.
Competition
Although Carroll swore the Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback job would be decided in an open competition, most assumed the job was Lock’s to lose. Smith, at this point, was a known commodity. Good enough to keep you in games but not quite able to do enough to win.
Then the preseason began, and Geno performed while Lock missed time with Covid. Suddenly Smith was the frontrunner.
Lock came back for the last preseason game. In his final audition, he continued his propensity to throw the ball to the opposition.
Pete made it official, Geno Smith would be the Seattle Seahawks starter this season. Cue the sounds of trumpets playing taps. At that point, many 12s believed 2022 was a lost season, and the only thing left was to see if the Seahawks would get the top pick in the draft.
Who’s the Boss?
All the experts foresaw Wilson leading an unstoppable Denver squad to the top of the AFC West. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks were sure to be one of the league’s worst teams.
10 weeks later, one of the aforementioned teams is in first place in their respective division. The other will be sending a likely top 5 pick to Seattle after the season. Let’s Ride!!!
