Seahawks encouraged to go ‘all-in’ on 36-TD quarterback to replace Geno Smith

The Seattle Seahawks would be a perfect destination for one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

According to Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton, the Seahawks should go “all-in” on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott is about to enter the final year of his deal. Although the Cowboys are adamant about re-signing Prescott to a new contract, contract negotiations have made little progress. That means Prescott may potentially join with another team in free agency next year.

Moton contends that Geno Smith may not have much room for error as he enters the 2024 season with a new regime – first-year head coach Mike Macdonald and first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb – and that Seattle may find it advantageous to release the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback and sign Prescott next offseason.

“Under a new regime, going into his age-34 term, Smith may not have much margin for error with the collection of talent around him,” Moton states. “Next offseason, the Seahawks may release Smith and save $25 million. They can remove role players like tight end Noah Fant (saving $9 million) and Uchenna Nwosu (saving $8.5 million), as well as restructure defensive lineman Leonard Williams’ contract (saving $9.4 million), to make place for Dak Prescott’s deal.

Why Seahawks Could Move on From Geno Smith After 2024

Smith has been productive for the Seahawks since he was appointed starter prior to the 2022 season. He guided Seattle to a surprise playoff appearance in 2022, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. During his successful 2022 season, Smith led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), touchdowns (30), and passer rating (100.9).

However, those numbers fell during the 2023 season when the Seahawks missed the playoffs. Smith passed for 20 touchdowns and a 92.1 passer rating, completing 64.7% of his throws.

While Smith is a strong starting quarterback, he may have a limited future as the starter. Prior to the 2022 season, Smith has not been a full-time starter since 2014 with the New York Jets. During his four seasons with the Jets, he finished 11-18 as the team’s starting quarterback in 2013 and 2014, throwing 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions for a passer rating of 72.4.

Why Dak Prescott Is an Upgrade Over Geno Smith

Meanwhile, Prescott has established himself as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks since taking over as starting in 2016. And he’s only improving with age.

The 30-year-old quarterback is coming off his best season yet, finishing second in MVP voting for the 2023 season. Prescott topped the league in throwing touchdowns (36) and completions (410).

However, signing Prescott would certainly require paying him more than $50 million per year. According to Spotrac, his market value is $50.9 million per year over four years, for a total of more than $203 million. In comparison, Smith earns an average of $25 million per year.

Although Prescott has had a productive career, he has yet to achieve playoff success. Prescott’s postseason record is 2-5, and he has failed to go beyond the divisional round.

However, signing with a team like the Seahawks, who have a loaded offensive supporting cast that includes Pro Bowlers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, as well as previous first-round draft pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, could benefit both sides. Prescott is aiming to get over the hump after a lack of playoff success, and the Seahawks are looking for a piece to elevate them from fringe playoff candidate to Super Bowl-contending squad.

If the Seahawks miss the playoffs again this season, or are eliminated in the playoffs, they may contemplate moving on from Smith and pursuing Prescott next offseason.