Geno Smith was unable to secure a Seahawks extension last offseason, but he is still firmly in the team’s plans for 2025 and beyond. Talks on a new pact are set to commence. 
When speaking to the media on Tuesday, general manager John Schneider said (via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times) the Seahawks will begin negotiation on an extension this week. He added no firm deadline is in place but repeated the organization’s stance that having Smith under center now and in the future is still a priority. One year remains on the veteran’s current contract.
Smith is owed $25MM in 2025 as things stand, though – a mark well below the market for veteran starters. His cap hit of $44.5MM is also a cumbersome figure for a Seahawks team which is among those slated to be over the projected cap once the new league year begins in March. A multi-year commitment in the 34-year-old will carry risks for Seattle, of course, but he has posted a winning record during each of his three full seasons as the team’s starter.
Head coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear he wants Smith to remain in place for 2025 and beyond, and a report from the Super Bowl indicated a new arrangement (through a restructure or an extension) could be expected. During Seattle’s offensive coordinator search, the prospect of coaching Smith was an obvious talking point. Klint Kubiak said the opportunity to coach Smith played a role in his decision to head to Seattle.
While the former Comeback Player of the Year intends to continue his career to the age of 40, it came as no surprise when a December report indicated the Seahawks will look into options to succeed Smith this offseason. That could still result in a QB addition through the draft, but no change atop the depth chart will be forthcoming if a deal can be reached. Smith inked a three-year, $75MM pact in 2023; it will be interesting to see where his asking price lands this time around.
Schneider also confirmed (via Condotta) Seattle has engaged in contract talks with linebacker Ernest Jones. The trade acquisition proved to be a productive addition, but team and player paused negotiations at the end of the campaign. The Seahawks still hope to get a deal done with the pending free agent, though, and the looming start of the league year could spur action.
As for wideout Tyler Lockett, Schneider added conversations will take place with his agents. Lockett’s future in the Emerald City has been in question given his lack of guaranteed money for 2025 (the final year of his deal) and scheduled cap hit of nearly $31MM. Schneider is unsure of whether or not Lockett will return next year, but there is a strong chance the Seahawks will have continuity under center moving forward.