What is the best landing spot for Geno Smith in 2023?
By: Jake Rajala
The undisputed biggest surprise quarterback performance in 2022 belongs to none other than Geno Smith. The Hawks QB1 leads the NFL in completion percentage (72.8%) — which stands as the third-best single-season completion % figure in NFL history (behind the 2018 Drew Brees and the 2019 Drew Brees). Smith is also fourth in the league in passer rating (67.7), behind Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, & Tua Tagovailoa. Most importantly, the once-NFL draft bust has led his squad to a potent 6-4 record & his squad sits first in the tight NFC West.
With that enunciated, the 12th man’s hero is bound to be a free agent in the 2023 off-season. Well, the question is: what are the best landing spots for Geno Smith? Well, I’m going to project the most favorable fit for his services.
- Seattle Seahawks
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Smith has taken a monster leap with the Hawks organization, to say the least. It would make sense for him to wish to stay in the same offense under Shane Waldron. It should also be stated that there won’t be many top-tier FA QBs available in the 2023 off-season, as Smith is arguably the second-best QB behind Lamar Jackson. Hence, the Hawks may wish to prioritize the gifted, familiar, 32-year-old QB. It would be devastating if the Hawks team which ranks 22nd in PPG allowed had to rely on a 2023 rookie or mediocre veteran QB to steer the ship forward.
- New Orleans Saints
Who Dat Nation is tiresome of their quarterback situation since their automatic 5,000+ yd passer Drew Brees retired. It appeared that Jameis Winston was the true QB heir to Brees until he suffered a torn ACL last season and then reverted back to his old ways on the field this season. The Red Rifle is blatantly not a quality starting QB in the year 2022. If Smith doesn’t seek to return to the Rainy City, he could be in awe of the idea of joining the 2022 OROY favorite Chris Olave, Five-time Pro Bowl RB Alvin Kamara, and hungry, utterly physical WR Michael Thomas.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 45-year-old Tom Brady isn’t immortal & it appears he will very likely hang up his cleats in the near future. The Bucs weren’t head over heels about former second-rounder Kyle Trask this prior off-season, so it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if they brought in a proven or young, gifted QB to compete with Trask. Similar to the Saints, Smith would find himself accompanied by shiny toys in Tampa (such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and possibly Julio Jones).
- Detroit Lions
I simply love the Lions youthful group of weapons, but they don’t have a major threat at QB. Jared Goff has been a pleasant, underrated signal-caller in 2022, but I don’t believe he’s the right face to duel the 8-1 Minnesota Vikings & proceed to win a Lombardi trophy. If DET garners a QB like Smith in the upcoming off-season, they could certainly sneak into the NFC playoff gauntlet next season and make a stronger climb above the Packers team that should witness A-Rod retire or leave soon.
- San Francisco 49ers
The offensive whiz Kyle Shanahan is the ultimate wild card to scoop up Smith in my opinion. Trey Lance is far from a reliable signal-caller & Jimmy Garoppolo, who is actually set to be a 2023 FA, doesn’t possess an extremely imposing ceiling. Plus, Shanny may like the idea of stealing Lance away from his divisional foe in Washington. Smith may be able to have more success with a 49ers team that can literally win with Jimmy G throwing 10 passes.
- New York Giants
Smith is the most surprising field general this season & the GMEN are the most startling team in 2022. Nonetheless, the Giants could have a problem in 2023 if they don’t re-sign Daniel Jones — who is a 2023 FA. Like Smith, Jones has been able to take care of the football (as Danny Dimes has unveiled a mere two interceptions). Yet, he’s thrown nine fewer TD passes than Smith this season. If the Giants want to swing big in an NFC East division that showcases the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles and 7-2 Dallas Cowboys and they aren’t able to lure in Lamar Jackson or even Tom Brady, they may wish to target Smith.
On a side note, the Giants indispensable RB Saquon Barkley is also a 2023 FA.
- Carolina Panthers
It could be said that each NFC South team may be aggressive to find a quality QB1 in the upcoming March and April. In particular, the Panthers have been the worst at recruiting an intimidating starting QB over the prior two years. It even appears they could move back to Sam Darnold — which should be seen as blasphemous. I’d absolutely expect the Panthers to not hold onto Darnold (2023 FA) and Mayfield (2023 FA) and draft a QB in the first round of the 2023 draft if they can’t ink an overly impressive QB figure.
- Las Vegas Raiders
The (2-7) Raiders may not feel Derek Carr’s contract is sexy enough to keep him in the building after this season eclipses. If the Raiders want to show Carr the exit door, I’d prefer they sign a veteran QB than insert a rookie QB with their all-around young roster. On offense, Smith could still be intrigued by the talent like Davante Adams (784 yds and 8 TDs) and Darren Waller to go blow for blow against his foes.
- Green Bay Packers
There must be a captain on the Flying Dutchman, also known as the rich Green Bay Packers franchise. If the Pack witness a retirement conference from their four-time MVP winning-QB, I’d prefer them to be more aggressive to find a replacement for him than they’ve been to acquire a talented wideout for his arm talent. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem like Jordan Love has a scary up-side — as it was widely reported that he was behind the 8-ball last season.
