The Seattle Seahawks had a huge void to fill at quarterback after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.
They got Drew Lock in the trade, but there isn’t even a comparison between the two.
But having Lock gives Seattle someone under center unless they wanted to experiment with Jacob Eason.
However, the former Bronco will have to compete for the starting role after the Seahawks brought back Geno Smith.
Smith has been with the club since 2019 and filled in for Wilson due to a dislocated finger on his throwing hand.
If all goes well, the former West Virginia standout will become the full-time starter for the first time since 2014.
Despite the opportunity, Smith has to prove that he’s worth starting quarterback money.
Geno Smith's base salary being in the $3.5-4 million range obviously isn't starter money. But that's nearly triple his base last year. He's absolutely going to get a shot to win the starting job.
If he ends up winning and plays solid, $7 million will seem like pocket change.
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) April 14, 2022
SI.com reporter Corbin Smith mentioned that Smith’s 2022 base salary of at most $4 million is approximately three times bigger than his 2021 value.
If he proves to be the quarterback they are looking for, the Seahawks won’t hesitate to give him a bigger contract.
For now, he will be competing with Lock to be the top quarterback.
Seahawks Won’t Bring In Baker Mayfield
Smith’s re-signing could mean that the Seahawks are not interested in bringing in Baker Mayfield.
The Cleveland Browns are finding ways to ship Mayfield out after acquiring Deshaun Watson on a five-year, $230 million deal.
However, the market for the former Oklahoma quarterback isn’t hot.
Still, the Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers are the two teams in dire need of a play-caller.
If the competition between Lock and Smith goes nowhere, then bringing in Mayfield will become an enticing option.
After all, he’s still a solid option for the Seahawks, even if they might draft a quarterback in the deep 2023 class.
NEXT: Seahawks Seem Content To Give Drew Lock A Real Chance