Brady HendersonESPN3:13 PM ET2 Minute Read
By signing quarterback Geno Smith to a new three-year contract, the Seattle Seahawks are banking on his ability to repeat the level of play that made him a Pro Bowl pick and the NFL’s 2022 Comeback Player of the Year.
As coach Pete Carroll said in an interview with Seattle Sports 710-AM Tuesday morning, the structure of Smith’s deal suggests he’s also putting his bets heavily on himself. Carroll didn’t provide numbers, but did confirm that the contract was full of incentives.
The NFL Network reported earlier Tuesday that the $105 million maximum value of Smith’s deal includes $30 million in incentives and that its base value is $75 million over three years, with $40 million in full are guaranteed.
“If you guys get your chance and you really get involved, you’re going to see it trend in that direction where we’re counting on him to come through and do the things that he was able to do last year and if he does it for that he will rewarded,” Carroll said. “We know that if he can come back and do that, he’s going to have a great season and we’re going to be in great shape. We’re going to have a real chance to do our best.
“So it’s so structured, and I know he’s a bit selfish in that sense.”
Carroll was asked what this approach says about Smith.
“He’s aware of that,” Carroll said. “That was part of it all along. It’s a really strong part of the contract and I think maybe that’s why the ownership is so happy with it: if you perform and you make it, we’d like to reward it [you]. I think that was a real combination of mindsets that worked for us.”
Smith played on a one-year, $3.5 million contract last season that included an additional $3.5 million in bonuses – all of which he achieved.
Carroll and general manager John Schneider both indicated at the Scouting Combine last week that Smith’s signing wouldn’t necessarily stop Seattle from drafting a quarterback. Carroll reiterated that stance Tuesday when asked if drafting a quarterback stays in play, again mentioning that fifth-pick possession is rare territory for the Seahawks. They haven’t picked this high since 2009, the year before Carroll and Schneider arrived.
Seattle also owns the 20th overall winner and two runners-up.
“The opportunity is absolutely there,” said Carroll. “We can do what we have to do.”
How would Smith react to Seattle drafting a quarterback?
“Whatever we do, he’s going to take it easy,” Carroll said. “He won’t worry about anyone [contract], as a reward for what he has done, even cements his trust and his understanding of how much trust we have in him. So if that’s going to happen, it’s a decision for the long haul, for the future and all that. Let’s see what happens.”