Seahawks May Be Able to Get in Game for MVP-Caliber QB
Geno Smith has experienced something of a career renaissance for the Seattle Seahawks over the past couple of seasons, but all good things eventually come to an end.
Seattle has a well-built roster on both sides of the football and projects to contend for a playoff spot in 2024 under new head coach Mike Macdonald, formerly the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. And while Smith has been a Pro Bowler in each of the past two campaigns, throwing for over 7,900 yards and 50 TDs across that span, the notion that he is a Super Bowl-caliber QB strains credulity.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, however, might be a different story. Prescott is a three-time Pro Bowler who finished second in MVP voting last season. He and Dallas have yet to agree to a contract extension, as Prescott stands on the precipice of the final year of his current $160 million deal.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report on Thursday, September 5, dubbed the Seahawks among the top free agent landing spots for Prescott in 2025 if he doesn't reach an agreement with Dallas before then.
"Prescott could potentially be the final piece needed to put Seattle back in the Super Bowl picture," Knox wrote. "Smith will turn 34 in October and is a tier below Prescott, who was a legitimate MVP candidate last season. Smith is also only under contract through 2025 and could be a cap casualty next offseason if he doesn't help Seattle push deep into the postseason. The Seahawks could save $25 million in 2025 cap space by releasing Smith with a post-June 1 designation."
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Thursday that a source with knowledge of the negotiations between Prescott and the Cowboys now believes the most likely outcome is that the quarterback hits free agency next March.
Smith has been good enough the past two seasons to prove to Seattle that it doesn't need to level up at quarterback to be a competitive team.
However, if he can't prove the same about the Seahawks being a Super Bowl-caliber team with him under center this year, they will have serious alternatives -- like Prescott -- to consider.
