Geno Smith looks likely to return but Seahawks could lose other big names

Geno Smith’s latest update on talks with the Seahawks sounds promising but Pete Caroll’s staff could take a big hit with assistants up for other jobs.

The Seahawks made the bold move to trade Russell Wilson to the Broncos last offseason, ultimately betting on Geno Smith to lead them through the 2023 season. It’s safe to say that bet paid off.

Smith produced the best season of his career, completing 69.8 percent of his passes with 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He rushed for 366 yards and a touchdown.

With a Pro Bowl nod now in hand, Smith is in talks with Seattle on a new contract to keep him around. And it’s looking likely one will get done according to plan.

Smith told SiriusXM NFL Radio that contract talks are “looking very good.”

“We’ve had talks and we’re in the process of getting all that settled right now,” Smith said, per ESPN. “It’s looking very good. We think we can get some things done, but obviously those things take time. This is the process that I hate about the NFL because I just want to play football, but it’s a business as well, so we’ve got to take care of business and then we’ll get back to the football.”

So the Seahawks may have their quarterback nearly taken care of, assuming no one swoops in to drag him away, but they could be in danger of losing the man who tutored him.

Geno Smith may return to Seahawks but key assistants could leave

Quarterbacks coach Dave Canales has a second interview scheduled for the Ravens offensive coordinator job on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport. Apparently, Canales “impressed with his work with Geno Smith this year.”

While no Seahawks fan should begrudge Canales the promotion, it may be time to start hoping Todd Monken or one of the other candidates gets the job instead.

Canales isn’t the only key assistant coach Seattle could lose to another job.

Sean Desai, the Seahawks associate head coach and defensive assistant, could be lining up an interview for the Broncos defensive coordinator position under Sean Payton, Rapoport also reported.

Desai withdrew his name from the Vikings DC job to “concentrate on DEN,” according to Mike Klis, who further reported that Desai came recommended by Vic Fangio.

It sounds like it’s going to be a busy few weeks for Seattle as this all gets sorted out.