The Seattle Seahawks may have to move on from Geno Smith after deciding not to use a franchise tag on the quarterback.
Smith shocked the NFL world this past season when he proved to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL after being benched and a back-up for seven years. Smith had been Russell Wilson's second string for three years before being given the starting spot this past season, performing as one of the best in the league at the position.
But ESPN have reported the Seahawks are not planning to franchise tag him, meaning he will officially become a free agent on March 15,and could sign to the highest bidder.
The tag would mean that the Seahawks could have time to agree a long-term deal with Smith, which is reportedly what they are hoping to do. However, no deal is yet thought to be close and they may not be in a position to match a higher bid elsewhere.
Smith has openly spoken about wanting to return to the Seahawks, but will hope to be paid handsomely to do, as he could attract a big contract after his impressive season. The 32-year-old likely knows that this is his last chance to earn a big contract, after only playing on lesser, one-year deals throughout his career as a back-up.
But with the Seahawks rebuilding their roster after trading away Russell Wilson, they may opt to instead draft a quarterback, and are in a solid position to do so. After trading away Wilson for draft picks, the Denver Broncos will give the Seahawks the fifth overall pick in this years draft - one that features four exciting passers.
Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson are all likely to be taken within the first five picks after impressing at the scouting combine this weekend.
As for Smith, he could be targeted by a number of teams, including his former New York Jets who are rumoured to have interest.
Smith looks to be the biggest name quarterback to hit the open market, with Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson expected to be franchise-tagged.
