Report: Geno Smith returning to Seahawks with big pay raise

The Seahawks are paying up for Geno Smith to return to the franchise. After trading Russell Wilson and being involved in rumors to trade for embattled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, Seattle decided to do what they could to get the former West Virginia star to return.

On Thursday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted the news of Smith going back to Seattle.

“The #Seahawks are signing QB Geno Smith to a 1-year deal worth $7M, source said,” tweeted Rapoport. “A big raise for Smith, who has a chance to push for starter reps and more this offseason.”

Last season, Smith’s deal featured a base salary of a little over $1 million, according to Spotrac. Now, Smith will be making almost seven times what he was paid last season.

As Wilson dealt with his first case of the injury bug last season, Smith stepped in and started three games for the Seahawks. The team went 1-2 under his watch, as the former West Virginia star passed for 702 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in the aforementioned games.

Now, Smith is the elder-statesman of the Seahawks quarterback room. Currently, the projected starting quarterback is the man Seattle receiving as part of the Wilson trade — former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock. Barring any other moves, it looks like Lock and Smith will battle it out for the starting quarterback gig in Seattle.

Nevertheless, Geno Smith is still only 31-years old, and it’s evident he’s found a mutual respect with his coaching staff in Seattle. After numerous clashes with coaches at different stops along his coaching career, the Seahawks have been good for the career of the former West Virginia star.

Whether he’s the starting quarterback or a backup, the Seahawks committed to Geno Smith in a big way. Time will tell how big of a role the former second round selection has in 2022.