What Would Seahawks Plan B at QB Look Like Without Geno Smith? - Locked On Podcast

The Seattle Seahawks likely won't make a move jettisoning Geno Smith, but money does talk and if the organization chooses to go that route, general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald will have plenty of options as alternatives.

With a base salary of nearly $13 million kicking in as fully guaranteed on Friday, all eyes will be on the Seattle Seahawks in coming days as they decide on the fate of starting quarterback Geno Smith.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection since taking over for Russell Wilson, Smith has been far from Seattle's biggest problem. But with his salary cap hit jumping north of $31 million in 2024, some have speculated the team may consider letting him go for cheaper and/or younger alternatives under center.

Among the many options the Seahawks could consider under such a scenario, bringing back veteran Drew Lock as a stop-gap starter may be the most appealing. The former second-round pick out of Missouri led the team to a thrilling comeback win over the Eagles on Monday Night Football in December and at just 27 years of age, he would be significantly cheaper to re-sign than Smith's current contract that would pay him as the 12th most expensive quarterback in the NFL next season.

If Seattle went that route with Lock or another veteran keeping the seat warm, general manager John Schneider would certainly be investing a draft pick in a quarterback in April. Set to pick 16th overall, they could reunite Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb or snag Michigan star J.J. McCarthy. In later rounds, potential gems such as Michael Pratt of Tulane could be on the table.

Does Grubb Hire Impact Geno’s Future with Seahawks?

Hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang discuss why Seattle could potentially make a major change under center from Smith with Friday's deadline looming and which player(s) could be considered for replacements in such a scenario, begin their Free Agency Frenzy series examining Leonard Williams future in the Emerald City and whether or not he will return in 2024, and dish out their final report cards for Devon Witherspoon and Seattle's cornerback group.

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