The Seattle Seahawks may be out of playoff contention, but their season finale against the Los Angeles Rams carries significant stakes—at least for Geno Smith’s wallet. Thanks to his performance-based contract, Smith has a chance to earn up to $6 million in bonuses during Week 18, turning an otherwise low-stakes matchup into a personal milestone game for the veteran quarterback.
The Bonus Breakdown: How Smith Can Secure the Bag
Smith’s three-year contract extension includes performance incentives, three of which are within striking distance this Sunday. According to Forbes’ Jack MaGruder, the potential bonuses include:
- Seahawks’ 10th win of the season: $2 million
- 186 passing yards in the game: $2 million
- Season completion rate above 69.755%: $2 million
Smith has been a steady force for the Seahawks this season, and these benchmarks are well within reach. He’s averaged 256 passing yards per game in 2024, making the 186-yard target easily attainable. His current completion rate sits at 70.2%, giving him a comfortable margin to maintain. The $2 million tied to a 10th win might be the toughest hurdle, but with the Rams planning to rest starters—including starting quarterback Matthew Stafford—Seattle’s chances look promising.
Why Smith Deserves the Payday
Smith’s performance in 2024 has been a testament to his consistency and leadership. After signing a three-year extension last offseason, he’s continued to improve, with a chance to eclipse his career-high of 4,282 passing yards. Despite playing behind a less-than-stellar offensive line, Smith has kept Seattle competitive in a tough NFC West.
Earning these bonuses wouldn’t just reflect his achievements this season but also reward his contributions over the past three years, where he helped stabilize the Seahawks’ quarterback situation after Russell Wilson’s departure.
The Case for Sitting Smith
While Smith undoubtedly wants to play and earn his bonuses, some argue that the Seahawks should take a different approach. Resting Smith in favor of backup quarterback Sam Howell could provide long-term benefits:
- Self-Scouting for the Future: Howell has seen limited action this season, and giving him a full game could help Seattle evaluate their depth at quarterback heading into 2025.
- Injury Prevention: With Smith playing behind a shaky offensive line, the risk of injury in a meaningless game is significant. Resting him protects his health for Week 1 of the 2025 season.
- Trade Value Protection: If the Seahawks decide to explore trading Smith in the offseason, keeping him healthy and out of harm’s way in Week 18 safeguards his value.
What’s at Stake for the Seahawks?
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear that the Seahawks will play their starters in pursuit of a 10th win. Beyond the financial incentives for Smith, a strong performance could also build momentum for the team heading into the offseason. However, balancing the desire to win with the long-term interests of the franchise will be a tricky decision for Macdonald and the Seahawks’ leadership.
A $6 Million Question
Whether Smith plays or sits, his impact on the Seahawks has been undeniable. Week 18 presents a unique opportunity for the quarterback to not only cement his 2024 accomplishments but also cash in on a well-deserved payday. For fans, Sunday’s game may lack playoff implications, but for Geno Smith, it could be a career-defining moment.
