The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a crucial juncture in 2025, facing questions about their future direction. While a 10-win season is far from a disastrous outcome for most NFL teams, it’s not a position that the Seahawks are accustomed to being in, particularly given the franchise’s early success under head coach Pete Carroll. During the peak of the Carroll era, the Seahawks were a perennial playoff team, even winning the Super Bowl in 2013. However, as the years have gone by, the team has gradually shifted from being a title contender to a more middling force in the NFC.
This gradual decline is especially evident when it comes to the performance of quarterback starting quarterback Geno Smith, who has been the team’s primary signal caller since the departure of Russell Wilson. Smith, while delivering some impressive performances over the last couple of seasons, has shown that he may not be the long-term solution for the franchise. His ranking among NFL quarterbacks in 2025 serves as a clear indication that the Seahawks need to look for an upgrade at the position if they are to regain their status as a true contender in the league.
Over the past couple of seasons, Smith has been steady, but not spectacular. His 2022 campaign, in particular, saw him exceed expectations and earn a Pro Bowl selection, but a closer look at his overall body of work reveals a quarterback who, while competent, lacks the game-changing ability that elite quarterbacks bring to the table. His inconsistencies, occasional turnovers, and struggles to elevate his play in high-pressure situations have held the Seahawks back from truly competing with the best teams in the NFC.
The Seahawks’ decision to retain Smith beyond 2024 is understandable. He has had his moments of brilliance, and the team has had some success during his tenure. However, as the NFL continues to evolve into a league dominated by dynamic quarterbacks, the limitations of a player like Smith become more apparent. Teams that are truly serious about competing for championships need quarterbacks who can consistently perform at an elite level, especially in the postseason. While Smith is capable of managing games, he is not a quarterback who can consistently win games on his own or lead a team to a Super Bowl.
The Seahawks are at a crossroads because, as the franchise evaluates its options, they must ask themselves: Is Geno Smith the quarterback who can lead this team back to the Super Bowl, or is he a placeholder until the team can find its next star signal caller? The reality is that Seattle, with its talent-laden roster and potential for improvement in other areas, could be one or two key pieces away from becoming a Super Bowl contender again. However, to get to that level, they need a quarterback who can push the ball down the field, make big plays when it matters most, and lead the offense with confidence.
The landscape of the NFC is changing. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions are establishing themselves as elite squads with young quarterbacks who are either already in their prime or on the verge of stardom. The Seahawks, meanwhile, are stuck in a holding pattern with Smith, a player whose ceiling has likely already been reached. In a league where the quarterback position is the most important factor in a team’s success, Seattle cannot afford to settle for mediocrity when it comes to the most important position on the field.
This is not to say that Geno Smith has been a failure or that he doesn’t have value. He has shown resilience and poise in the face of adversity and has kept the Seahawks competitive in a tough NFC West division. However, if Seattle’s long-term goal is to return to championship contention, they must look at the bigger picture. In a division where the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of rebuilding, and with the 49ers and Seahawks in need of some serious adjustments, the window for Seattle to make a move is rapidly approaching. A change at quarterback could be the necessary catalyst for getting the team back on track and taking the next step toward competing for titles once again.
In 2025, the Seahawks should seriously consider whether Geno Smith is the answer or if they need to make a bold move to secure the future of the franchise. Whether that means drafting a young quarterback to develop behind Smith or exploring trade options for a proven starter, the time to act is now. The Seahawks have the tools to be successful, but to truly compete at the highest levels, they need a quarterback who can consistently elevate the team and perform under pressure. This may be the offseason where Seattle realizes that moving on from Geno Smith is the best decision for the future of the franchise.
Ultimately, the Seahawks’ decision regarding Geno Smith will be one of the most important they make in the coming years. While Smith’s tenure in Seattle has been a positive one in some respects, it’s clear that the team’s aspirations for a Super Bowl run require a quarterback capable of more. The era of steady, reliable quarterbacks is fading in the NFL, and Seattle must ask itself whether it is willing to risk being left behind while other teams with young, elite quarterbacks surge forward. For the Seahawks to have a shot at a championship in 2025 and beyond, they need to take a hard look at their quarterback situation and make the tough decision to move forward with a new face under center.