Criminally underrated Seahawks QB Geno Smith is elite throwing between numbers

Matt Urben

•
Criminally underrated Seahawks QB Geno Smith is elite throwing between numbers image

Seahawks QB Geno Smith | Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It took Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith a few years to find his footing in the NFL, but he's quietly become one of the league's most accurate passers over the last few seasons in Seattle. While Smith's stats took a slight hit in 2023, he generally takes what the defense gives him and doesn't force the ball outside the numbers.

The 33-year-old has passed for 50 touchdowns and 20 interceptions since taking over for Russell Wilson as the starting QB in 2022. Smith was among the most efficient quarterbacks in the league when passing between the numbers last season. As NFL analyst Warren Sharp highlights below, Smith ranked third in between-the-numbers passing in 2023.

Only Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff were better than Smith when passing between the numbers last year. Cousins received a four-year, $180 million contract from the Atlanta Falcons in free agency and Goff just signed a four-year, $212 million extension to stay in Detroit.

Both players are set to earn significantly more than Smith, who is due roughly $65 million over the next two seasons. Smith's contract gives the Seahawks flexibility for the future, but he likely won't be going anywhere soon if he continues to play at a high level.

Seattle has been a great fit for the former second-round pick. Hopefully, young Sam Howell can learn a thing or two from Smith this season.

Matt Urben

Matt Urben Photo

Matt Urben has worked as a sportswriter for multiple outlets, including MLive.com and USA TODAY Sports Media Group. He's covered numerous NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, and has been the managing editor of The Falcons Wire since 2019. Matt grew up in Michigan, where he currently resides with his fiancé and dog.