‘I believe in team’ – Seahawks QB Geno Smith talks new contract at team press conference

Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks made it official on Thursday, because the Professional Bowl quarterback signed his new 3-year deal that may hold him within the Pacific Northwest for the foreseeable future. Because the ink was nonetheless drying, he took the stage, joined by Pete Carroll and John Schneider to talk to the media following the finalization of the largest contract of his profession to this point. As needs to be anticipated, many of the questions they fielded revolved across the incentive-laden extension that Smith agreed to earlier this week, however the trio mentioned a variety of subjects, from the draft to the thought course of that went into the brand new contract. Previous to sitting down, although, Geno Smith made his manner by the VMAC, the place he was greeted by a handful of organizational coaches and employees who have been there to congratulate him on his newest accomplishment.

Once they did make their option to the rostrum, the trio opened up with some humor, poking enjoyable at a sure participant who made a saucy insinuation a couple of sure pre-draft assembly with a sure coach.

Apparently, Smith by no means had any query of the place he needed to finish up, and the group felt equally. He indicated that his contract displays his emotions in direction of the way forward for this workforce and the potential they’ve heading into 2023.

Whereas many outdoors of the group questioned the workforce’s route heading into final season, Pete Carroll says that he by no means wavered on his perception within the 32-year outdated sign caller. Neither did Geno Smith.

Including to this, Smith expressed confidence in himself and the workforce, and indicated that this instantly influenced his determination to take a contract that’s heavy on incentives.

John Schneider chimed in with a press release of help, indicating that this workforce sees a future with Geno Smith and Pete Carroll on the helm.

Even contemplating this, although, Pete Carroll hasn’t precisely been dismissive of the opportunity of the workforce focusing on a quarterback early within the draft. When requested about this chance, Geno Smith had little hesitation in his response.

Schneider went on to reward Smith’s tenacity and perseverance all through his lengthy and difficult profession that introduced him up thus far.

As all of us recall, Smith responded famously to Lisa Salters when requested about being written off. With a Professional Bowl nod and a brand new contract, he seems like he’s lastly getting the respect that he undoubtedly deserves. A minimum of externally, because the group has been with him all alongside, he mentioned.

Smith might have re-signed, however he isn’t resigned to easily hoping to repeat 2022. Based on the Seahawks official workforce web site, he had the next to say about his breakout season and what the long run holds in retailer.

“I used to be throwing yesterday, and shoot, the ball was popping out fairly good,” Smith mentioned with an enormous grin. “… I consider that, though we did some nice issues final 12 months, the sky’s the restrict for what we are able to do that 12 months. I feel we are able to enhance in so some ways, and that’s actually what I look ahead to. That’s all my offseason is about—bettering and turning into a greater participant.”

Carroll went on to specific equally optimistic sentiments.

“He’s been within the system and with us for whereas, and that’s why he was so completed when he received his alternative. However there’s nothing like that playtime that he simply had. There’s nothing like coming again with DK and Tyler and the fellas, the tight ends and working backs to place this factor collectively to the following stage that’s on the market for us. So it’s all simply forward of us and the cool factor, you’ll be able to hear it, it’s about working arduous. With out the arduous work and the dedication and the belief within the folks round you, it isn’t going to occur, however we received all that. In order that’s why we’re so constructive about it, in order that’s why we all know we’re going locations.”

Following just a few weeks of uncertainty, the Seahawks group and followers can breathe a sigh of reduction understanding that Geno Smith will likely be again once more in 2023. His efficiency final season was a revelation for a workforce that had seemingly little to play for after dealing their star quarterback through the offseason. Everyone knows how that labored out, and now the group can confidently go about constructing their workforce round their veteran quarterback as they head into free company and the draft. From written off to writing his identify on a recent new contract, Geno Smith will strategy 2023 with excessive expectations because the presumptive starter for the primary time in a few years.