5 riskiest NFL free agency moves that could backfire

1. Seahawks re-sign Geno Smith

Geno Smith finally wrote back.

Smith was one of several quarterbacks to be paid this offseason (and we may even see a few more get contracts). Although, he is not like the other signal-callers who were given large contracts during NFL free agency. The Seahawks gave Smith a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, with $40 million in guaranteed money.

Compared to the other contracts given out to Derek Carr, Daniel Jones and Jimmy Garoppolo, Smith’s contract may not seem like anything other than standard protocol after his career year. However, Carr and Garoppolo have both established themselves as known commodities in this league with proven track records and postseason appearances to show for it.

Daniel Jones has a first-round draft pedigree while coming off a career season after finally having a head coach and front office who put him in a position to succeed. There was no choice but to pay Jones to see if they can continue to build off of last season. Frankly, that is the cost of doing business when it comes to the quarterback market in the NFL.

Before last season, Geno Smith was a career backup in the NFL who had never proven he could lead a franchise. He had the luxury of throwing to arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Head coach Pete Carroll has also built a Hall-of-Fame coaching resume in large part because of his ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.

The Seahawks had a way out of handing Geno Smith this kind of money, but instead, they doubled down and put their faith in the 32-year-old signal-caller. Seattle has the fifth overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Even after extending Geno Smith, they have met with each of the top four-ranked quarterback prospects.

If they feel they need to move into the top-four to land one of the top quarterback prospects, they have the additional draft capital to do so. Selecting a young quarterback with the No. 5 pick and not re-signing Smith would’ve given the Seahawks more financial flexibility to address other areas of need.

Not to mention, if they wanted to spend big on a quarterback, there is a 26-year-old former unanimous NFL MVP in Baltimore who seems to be itching for a fresh start with a new franchise.

After Smith experienced a breakthrough season, it is fair to wonder whether the Seahawks would’ve been wise to let him walk in free agency.