Seahawks GM’s status updates on Geno, DK, Ernest Jones IV

With the NFL world descending on Indianapolis this week for the league’s scouting combine, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider spoke with the media in various capacities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Here’s what he said when asked about three players who represent the most pressing offseason decisions facing the franchise.

Geno Smith

According to NFL.com, Schneider told reporters on Tuesday that the team will meet with veteran quarterback Geno Smith’s agents this week to discuss a potential contract extension.

Smith has one season left on a three-year, $75 million contract extension that he signed in March 2023. Smith’s salary cap hit skyrockets to $44.5 million in 2025, but that number could be brought down with an extension.

On Wednesday, Schneider reflected on Smith’s up-and-down 2024 season during an interview with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo for the “Good Morning Football” show.

“He had a great season,” Schneider said. “You know, at the end of the season, he got hurt, he was banged up and really sucked it up. He banged up his knee a little bit. But just the toughness, his grit, he’s a huge competitor.

“Like all of us, we have some regrets with some decisions we make. He had some balls he’d like to have back. But he was awesome. He had a really good season. Look forward to (new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak) getting to know him and the new offensive staff.”

Ernest Jones IV

When asked by Garafolo about Ernest Jones IV, Schneider again emphasized that re-signing the 25-year-old linebacker is a big priority. Jones, an October 2024 trade acquisition who played a major role in the Seahawks’ dramatic midseason defensive turnaround, is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 12.

“Really important for us,” Schneider said. “He did a great job when he came in. He’s just got a natural leadership about him and a very instinctive football player. And yeah, we’ve had positive conversations with his agents and we hope to continue that this week.”

Jones said at the end of the season that he believed he and the Seahawks would agree to a deal to keep him in Seattle, but he still remains unsigned with free agency set to begin in less than two weeks.

Related: Bump says Seahawks move with Jones needs to happen ASAP

DK Metcalf

During a press conference on Tuesday, Schneider was asked where things stand with star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who appears to also be a candidate for a new contract or perhaps even a trade with one season left on the three-year, $72 million extension he signed in July 2022. Like Smith, Metcalf carries a massive $31.875 million salary cap hit for 2025, which could be brought down with an extension.

Schneider’s answer was matter of fact, making it seem like a trade isn’t on Seattle’s agenda.

“He’s on our team,” Schneider said. “He’s a big, strong, fast, physical receiver.”

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald spoke at the combine Wednesday and shared a similar sentiment on Metcalf. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Macdonald said the Seahawks want to make sure Metcalf is a “focal point” of their offense next season.

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