Seahawks' Mike Macdonald wants resolution to Geno Smith extension talks but knows it's a 'process'

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald would like a Geno Smith resolution as soon as possible but knows it's a "process."

"I mean, I'd love to announce it right now, that we're rolling and Geno's extended, and we can stop getting the question. Like, absolutely," Macdonald told local reporters Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, via The News Tribune. "But you've got to respect the process, too. And our guys are awesome. The way (general manager) John (Schneider) handles his relationships with the agents ... man, it's a lot of stuff going on.

"To my knowledge, you kind of want to leave the situation to where everybody's really excited about where we're at, and then you move forward."

Smith enters the final year of his contract with zero guaranteed dollars. While there has been some chatter about the Seahawks moving on, the lack of tangible options makes an extension the more likely path.

Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension in 2023. His $25 million per year average places him 19th among QBs. Finding a balance with a 34-year-old quarterback getting a raise while not breaking the bank will be key in coming to a resolution.

Schneider said on Tuesday that he plans to meet with Smith's representatives this week in Indianapolis.

"We expect him to be our guy," Schneider said, "but we want to do what's right, too."

Seattle is a prime candidate to extend Smith this offseason and add a young signal-caller to groom. Getting a deal done before the start of the new league year on March 12 would allow the Seahawks cap flexibility.

Macdonald added that he believes new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system will benefit Smith, who dealt with a pass-heavy offense behind a struggling offensive line last season.

"Both the track record of how Klint coached the quarterback and their success were really important," the coach said. "This scheme as a whole, you just think of all the guys who are coaching through this scheme. And, so, yeah, I think Geno, the things we know about: He's tough as crap. He's smart. He's accurate as hell. I mean, he throws a great ball, sees the field. Plays with anticipation. Ultimate competitor. You line those things up with things that we doing, you've got to be excited."

The Seahawks will be even more excited when they come to a resolution on Smith's contract situation.