It's a wide world of sports media out there, and it's easy to miss or move past certain topics, especially when the networks host daily programming. What we at Seahawks Wire are trying to say is we came across a slightly older clip from the hit FS1 show First Things First discussing the Seattle Seahawks' offseason. This came across our radar thanks to our friends at HawkMania.
During a taping of First Things First on June 17th (timestamp: one hour, nineteen minutes) sports commentator Kevin Wildes asked his co-host, Nick Wright, about the Seahawks... namely, their quarterback position. Seattle of course decided to move on from their starter of the last three years, Geno Smith, and decided to go with Sam Darnold instead. Wildes asked of Wright if there is a chance the Seahawks would end up regretting their offseason decisions.
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Wright replied as such:
"Yeah, I don't get this," scoffed Wright. "I don't understand moving on from Geno (Smith) for a worse quarterback that's just as expensive. I don't get it."
Let us help Mr. Wright to understand this. First and foremost, the Seahawks did offer Smith a new contract in the ballpark of what he was asking for. Smith declined, and then asked for a trade. Now, it is fair to say Seattle's offer likely included many ways for the team to get out of the deal - "escape hatches," as Smith called them - and Smith wanted more job security.
Secondly, while the raw numbers look similar, a closer look would suggest the Raiders could end up paying more for Smith than the Seahawks might for Darnold.
Lastly, it isn't just about money... age factors in as well. Why would Seattle not be interested in giving more security to Smith? Well, he is 34 years old and will turn 35 in October. Darnold is eight years younger. The Seahawks got cheaper and younger at the most important position in all of sports. Now, will this bargain work out? That remains to be seen. Will it be a great deal for Seattle? Or will the Seahawks get what they pay for? Only time will tell.
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Additionally, I will point out Nick Wright has been rather high on Smith as of late. During a June 12th edition of FTF, Wright suggest Smith could be a dark horse candidate to garner MVP votes. Now, where this sudden surge of (long overdue) hype for Geno Smith has come from is anyone's guess. However, it does appear that a narrative is beginning to form regarding these quarterbacks.
Again, only time will tell if Seattle's gamble pays off.
