Report: Seahawks expected to sign ex-Chargers QB Geno Smith
May 13, 2019, 8:49 AM | Updated: 1:25 pm
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The Seahawks are expect to add to the competition at back-up quarterback, though there are conflicting reports about whether or not a deal is in the works.
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According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, Seattle is expected to sign former New York Jets’ second-round pick Geno Smith. (Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Smith is expected to visit the Seahawks Wednesday, but the two sides have not yet engaged in contract talks.)
Quarterback Geno Smith is expected to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, per source. It will be his fourth team in four seasons. Smith spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers and threw just four passes.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 13, 2019
Smith was drafted 39th overall by the Jets in 2013. New York finished with an 8-8 record in Smith’s rookie season, a year that saw him start all 16 games and pass for 3,046 yards and 12 touchdowns, and lead five game-winning drives. However, he also had 21 interceptions and finished with a 66.5 passer rating.
After an altercation with a teammate in 2015 left Smith with a broken jaw, the team turned to Ryan Fitzpatrick to fill the starting vacancy. Fitzpatrick retained the starting role after Smith’s return.
Smith made just one start over his final two seasons with the Jets, and ended his tenure in 2016 on the injured reserve with a torn ACL. Since 2016, he has occupied a back-up role for the New York Giants (2017) and Los Angeles Chargers (2018).
With Smith’s signing, the Seahawks have four quarterbacks on the roster. Veteran starter Russell Wilson heads up the group, which also includes former first-round pick Paxton Lynch, whom Seattle signed to a futures contract in January. Also in the mix is Taryn Christion, an undrafted rookie out of South Dakota State.