The list of rumored quarterback options for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been endless this offseason. We have heard this franchise being tied to every available player at the position. Names like Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill have been mentioned countless times in the rumor mill. There is one player who know one is talking about that might be perfect for the Steelers quarterback situation. That quarterback is Geno Smith. According to some reports, he may be available as the new Seahawks regime takes over in Seattle. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/what-the-seahawks-decision-to-pay-geno-smiths-roster-bonus-could-mean/
The Seahawks just did a little contract work on Geno Smith. They converted his roster bonus into a signing bonus in order to lower his 2024 salary cap hit. Many believe this cemented Smith as the Seahawks starting quarterback in 2024. Others feel that the front office was protecting a potential asset by locking him in. If the latter is true, the Steelers should be highly interested in this player.
The Skinny:
Geno Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. His rookie year was a bit of a disaster throwing 21 interceptions, and only 12 touchdowns. Things did not improve in New York as time went on. He had his jaw broken by a teammate in 2015, and then he tore his ACL in 2016. After brief stops with the Giants and Chargers, he would finally sign with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
Geno Smith’s career took off after joining the Seahawks in 2020. He won comeback player of the year in 2022, along with earning a Pro Bowl selection. That year was Smith’s best as a pro with 4200 yards passing, and 30 touchdowns. He followed that up with 3600 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023 despite being injured for parts of the season. Smith finished up with a very respectable 83 overall grade from PFF. Steelers fans got a good look at how good he can be in their week 16 game in Seattle where Smith threw for 290 yards and a touchdown. https://x.com/steelersanc16/status/1742906831620477088?s=61
The Cost:
What it would take to pry Geno Smith away is a tough question. He will turn 34 in October, and is only under contract though 2025. That contract is very affordable however. The Steelers would only be on the hook for $12.7 million for the next two seasons. That is an extreme bargain given what quarterback salaries are currently going for. We are thinking a second round pick in 2024, and possibly anther later round pick in 2025 should be the asking price.
The Conclusion:
Geno Smith is the perfect fit for what the Steelers need in a quarterback. He is a talented veteran who can also be a leader for this very young offense. Smith is an experienced quarterback ready to win now, who won’t break the salary cap. He would roughy cost the same to acquire as Justin Fields, only without the questions of his actual passing abilities. If the Seahawks are indeed shopping Geno Smith, he would be the perfect answer to the Steelers quarterback situation.