Seahawks GM confident of working out deal with Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is confident contract talks with quarterback Geno Smith are progressing well.

"Good talks so far," Schneider said, according to Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports. "We're in it. We're just trying to figure out what's best, and we'll do what's right."

Smith resurrected his career in Seattle last season, winning Comeback Player of the Year and leading the Seahawks to a playoff spot. He's scheduled to hit free agency this offseason.

Schneider doesn't believe quarterbacks coach Dave Canales' departure Thursday will affect Smith's appetite to return to Seattle.

"Free agency doesn't start until the middle of March, so there's a huge period here where we have time to work through things," Schneider said.

Schneider added: "Obviously, Dave has a great relationship with Drew (Lock) and Geno. Shoot, he did a great job working with Geno (and) staying after practice with Drew. … Those guys would work their tails off for a good hour, hour and a half after practice. They'd be out there in the dark throwing the ball, working on footwork and ball carriage and everything."

Assistant wide receivers coach Brad Idzik followed Canales to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.