NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Start Over at QB with J.J. McCarthy
The Seattle Seahawks over the last two seasons under Geno Smith have been a good NFL team. The team made the playoffs in his first year as the starter, but this season they narrowly missed out on the postseason despite being in good shape early on.
So what happens with Smith going forward?
He now has no more guaranteed money left on his contract and the Seahawks have an out this season...if they want it. His salary for the 2024 season becomes guaranteed on Feb. 16, so we will likely know the franchise's intentions in a matter of weeks.
In their latest mock draft, CBS Sports has the Seahawks dipping into the quarterback pool with the No. 16 pick as a result of the unknown surrounding Smith going forward and select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
"Seattle has a ceiling with Geno Smith at quarterback," CBS Sports writes. “It has a young roster and doesn't want to be left holding the bag when it is finally time to move on. It may be time to start fresh with a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback."
Will the championship-winning Wolverine be on the board at 16? That is the hope in this mock draft anyway.
After leading Michigan to the National Championship behind a good regular season that saw him throw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, McCarthy would be charged with beginning a new era in Seattle. He also showed his ability on the ground, rushing for 202 yards and three touchdowns this season. McCarthy has a 27-1 record in the last two seasons as the starter which is nothing to sneeze at.
Would the Seahawks be interested?
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With Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels thought to be selected ahead of him, there is a possibility that McCarthy is available mid-first round and as such, Seattle could take its next quarterback.
The Seahawks have many questions that need to be answered this offseason, and what to do with Smith is high on the list.
Is McCarthy the answer at quarterback for the Seahawks? Time will tell if he ends up in Seattle.