The Seattle Seahawks had a much better-than-anticipated 2022 season. Many people thought they would be among the worst teams in the NFL after seemingly embarking on a rebuild by trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and waiving linebacker Bobby Wagner.
The Seahawks did end up with a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they will be on the clock at No. 5. However, that isn’t their selection. The fifth pick is courtesy of the Broncos as part of the Wilson trade package; Seattle’s pick is No. 20.
That puts the Seahawks in an excellent position to continue bolstering its roster. They are going to be on the lookout for help defensively, as they struggled mightily on that side of the ball. Their most important negotiations, however, will come with quarterback Geno Smith.
Smith was a revelation for the Seahawks this season after winning the starting job in a training camp battle with Drew Lock. It was the first time that he was a starter since 2014 with the New York Jets and he shocked everyone with his level of performance.
Smith completed a league-high 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions. He earned a Pro Bowl nod and set himself up for a massive payday in free agency.
Seattle will assuredly do their best to retain Smith, as he earned a long-term contract. But, what if another team presents him with an offer that he cannot refuse? That would lead to the Seahawks needing to pivot, and they could make a move toward Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson is entering free agency as well and could try and force his way out of Baltimore. A tag-and-trade, similar to what Davante Adams and the Green Bay Packers did last season, could be on the table.
If that occurs, the Seahawks have the ammunition to pull off a blockbuster trade. They can offer what is left from the Broncos’ trade package, a first and second-round pick, along with the extra fifth-round pick they have from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Including their first-round pick in 2023 or 2024 along with another Day 2 pick this year or next should be enough to get the job done to land the former MVP in Seattle. Baltimore isn’t going to give him away for free, but a package of that value would be hard to turn down.
