Are Seahawks Playing QB Mind Games Ahead of NFL Draft?

The Seattle Seahawks have posed for selfies with several top quarterback talents, leading some to think that the franchise will take a passer in the first round ... or at least make it look that way.

The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Geno Smith to a three-year, $75 million deal during free agency. But could the franchise be looking at taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

With Smith's contract having an out after this season, along with what the Seahawks have been doing publicly of late, the idea of some quarterback mind games is an interesting thought.

What are we talking about?

Well, the selfies taken with ALL of the top quarterback talents in this draft, like C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson, it appears that the Seahawks are "looking" like drafting a quarterback.

But will they?

#Seahawks media adds another selfie, this time Anthony Richardson.

Already met with Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and Will Levis. pic.twitter.com/xVmbyQXTyj

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 30, 2023

Given Smith's contract status, Seattle could take a quarterback at pick No. 5. Could they draft a quarterback, play Smith this season and then move on to the drafted quarterback in 2024 after having a year to sit?

It doesn't sound so farfetched, especially if Smith hits a hangover after a career-best season.

Smith had a superb season in Seattle this past year, as he led the franchise to an unlikely playoff berth and threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It culminated in Smith being voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

But given his age at 32, he isn't the long-term solution for the NFC West franchise. This is where the thought of drafting a quarterback becomes somewhat realistic.

We have seen quarterbacks get a great deal of value out of sitting behind a veteran quarterback before moving into the starting role (Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers spring to mind). And with the Seahawks, drafting a star quarterback from this class could set them up for the next decade ... if they pick right.

Of course, this is all speculation, and the Seahawks might have no interest in drafting a quarterback. But for now, it seems like a possibility, and when you factor in Smith's contract situation, it makes sense.

Whether it will happen or not is obviously unknown, but the quarterback mind games ahead of the draft have truly begun with Seattle at the heart of it.

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