After Russel Wilson’s trade to the Broncos in March, his decade-long tenure with the Seattle Seahawks came to an end.
Wilson left behind a legacy that’d be hard for anyone to follow, but the current quarterback room in Seattle is especially going to struggle filling Wilson’s shoes.
That is especially concerning when the rest of the Seahawks’ roster is constructed to contend for a playoff spot.
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett remain one of the better wideout duos in football.
The running back room is as deep as ever with the addition of rookie Kenneth Walker, joining Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson.
And while the defense is still a question mark outside of the safety position, a quality quarterback still might elevate the team next year.
So, what are the Seahawks’ current options at the QB position with less than two months before the season begins?
Elevating Geno Smith
One option for Pete Carroll’s staff is to stick with a familiar face in Geno Smith.
Smith had an ugly tenure with the New York Jets to begin his career, and also controversially started one game over Eli Manning in 2017 while with the Giants.
Yet, since departing the New York market, Smith has become a long-tenured backup in Seattle.
After not starting between 2018 and 2020, Smith got to start three times last season while Wilson dealt with a finger injury.
Smith performed admirably, throwing five touchdowns and just one pick across four appearances in 2021.
Now, for the first time since 2014, Smith could be a full-time starter.
Currently competing with Drew Lock, Smith has the experience in Carroll’s system, which certainly could give him the edge.
It could come down to what Pete Carroll’s goals are in 2022.
Does he want to rebuild and go young, or does he want to play who he trusts the most?
Time will tell, but if it’s the latter, Smith could see significant playing time.
Going Young
Alternatively, if the Seahawks embrace a rebuild, Drew Lock could be their chosen starter.
At 25 years old, Lock heads into his fourth NFL season after being dealt by the Broncos to Seattle as part of the Wilson trade.
Lock was given the reigns of Denver’s offense first towards the end of his rookie season.
Across five starts, Lock would post a 4-1 record, while also throwing seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Unfortunately, Lock couldn’t match that production as the full-time starter a year later.
In 2020, Lock posted an ugly ratio of 16 TDs and 15 INTs in 13 starts, effectively ending his role as Denver’s quarterback of the future.
Now after backing up Teddy Bridgewater for most of 2021, Lock now finds himself in Seattle.
The question is if he can harness some of the potential he’s shown at times during his first three seasons.
Lock at the very least has a strong arm, and with threats like Metcalf and Lockett, perhaps he’ll be able to succeed in Seattle if given the opportunity.
However, Smith’s familiarity with those players could give him an advantage if Lock doesn’t perform significantly better in training camp.
Making A Trade
As mentioned, the way the Seahawks are currently constructed is that of a team trying to win games.
If the team is unsatisfied with Smith and Lock, will they make a move to add a different signal caller?
Trade rumors had already linked them to Baker Mayfield, but he was dealt to Carolina instead.
One quarterback who could be added is the 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo has been a solid option for Kyle Shanahan’s offense since being acquired in 2017, yet his days seem numbered in the Bay Area.
After the Niners traded up to draft Trey Lance third overall in 2021, it became clear they wanted him to be the franchise QB going forward.
With rumors already swirling that Lance could start Week 1 for San Francisco this coming season, Garoppolo could be a trade target for Seattle.
Of course, with the Seahawks and 49ers being division rivals, this trade may be unlikely.
Outside of Garoppolo, the Seahawks don’t have many other clear options.
Names like Gardner Minshew and Taylor Heinicke could be options, as both have performed well as starters before.
Yet, both are also great backup options.
Both the Eagles and Commanders respectively likely want to keep them around if Jalen Hurts or Carson Wentz gets injured.
Ultimately, the Seahawks may have to see how things play out with Lock and Smith.
The goals of the 2022 Seahawks remain unclear, but whoever does win the starting job will have plenty to prove.
