The Seattle Seahawks are facing crucial decisions regarding their roster as they look towards the offseason. The top priority is to negotiate a new contract for quarterback Geno Smith, who has been pivotal in their success. Following this, re-signing middle linebacker Ernest Jones is critical. Jones, a standout player in Seattle's defense, is entering free agency and is projected to command a lucrative deal, potentially rivaling the highest-paid linebackers in the league.

Although the Seahawks are optimistic about reaching an agreement with Jones, the team's management must act swiftly to secure him. With the NFL salary cap increasing, negotiations could become competitive, especially with Jones only 25 years old and demonstrating elite performance levels. His potential to grow further in the coming years makes him a valuable asset who deserves top-tier pay.

Russell Wilson, former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, is gearing up for free agency as he searches for a new team for the third consecutive year. After a solid 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he amassed 2,482 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, Wilson's future with the team looks bleak following a disappointing playoff exit. ESPN's projections suggest Cleveland may be a potential landing spot, though they lean towards the Browns acquiring Kirk Cousins instead.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks seem poised to retain Geno Smith, who demonstrated impressive stats last season with 4,320 passing yards, yet they are also considering drafting a quarterback. Smith’s contract is under review, and discussions for an extension are ongoing. The 34-year-old performed efficiently despite some offensive challenges, making his contract situation particularly intriguing for fantasy managers.

Geno Smith has emerged as a surprisingly effective leader for the Seattle Seahawks post-Russell Wilson era. With impressive stats over the past three years, including 12,226 passing yards and 71 touchdowns, Smith has guided the Seahawks to nine or more wins per season. However, with one year remaining on his contract, negotiations for an extension are underway. Seahawks GM John Schneider has mentioned that while they value Smith's contributions, they do not see him as a long-term solution, indicating a cautious approach to contract negotiations.

Despite a cap hit of $44.5 million this season, which is favorable relative to his production, the Seahawks face salary cap constraints. Consequently, they are unlikely to make him one of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks. There are suggestions that the team might consider drafting a quarterback in upcoming rounds, further complicating Smith's contract situation. Retaining Smith seems essential for maintaining competitiveness, especially with other potential quarterback prospects available.

The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a pivotal offseason focused predominantly on their offense. Priority number one involves rebuilding the interior offensive line, a crucial step for protecting quarterback Geno Smith. The team faces a critical decision regarding Smith's future, while also needing to negotiate a contract extension for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. On the defensive side, the Seahawks have made significant strides, largely due to the addition of middle linebacker Ernest Jones. His impact has been felt profoundly; without him, the defense mirrored its struggles from the Pete Carroll era. The urgency to secure Jones with a lucrative contract is paramount, as his value is reflected in his performance on the field.

General manager John Schneider has emphasized Jones' key role and natural leadership qualities, indicating a commitment to finalizing a deal as soon as possible. If the Seahawks fail to retain him, they risk losing not only a top-tier linebacker but also compromising their defensive unit, which has shown promise. Jones’s expected salary could position him among the top five inside linebackers in the league, making it crucial for the Seahawks to act swiftly.