Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has revealed that his representatives didn’t even consider a counteroffer when the team made its contract proposal, which fell short of his desired annual salary increase (APY). The issue was with the structure of the deal, which would have limited the Seahawks’ flexibility to extend Smith’s contract in future years.
In contrast, Sam Darnold, Smith’s replacement, will retain the same year-to-year flexibility. The Raiders offered Smith a new contract, and he has since expressed his gratitude towards Pete Carroll, his former coach who is now with the Las Vegas team.
Smith had been frustrated last season due to not receiving an extension from the Seahawks. However, a potential partnership between him and Carroll in 2025 was discussed, but would have required them to stop talking after Carroll took the Las Vegas job.
The NFL’s rules prohibit coaches from contacting players they’ve previously coached in another league, unless they’re both employed by the same team. Smith and Carroll are once again together, with Smith having secured a new contract.
Despite the move, Smith faces a tougher challenge in the AFC West, which is heavily loaded with talent compared to the NFC West. Both Smith and Carroll have limited time to turn their teams around before the season’s momentum is lost.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/geno-smith-says-he-didnt-counter-seattles-contract-offer